automat

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 1902, Horn & Hardart opened the first automat in Philadelphia.

From Salon • Jan. 22, 2024

AP: In “Asteroid City,” you combined an interest in really disparate ideas — the ’50s theater of Sam Shepard with the automat.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2023

The last Philadelphia automat, in suburban Bala Cynwyd, closed in 1990; the last New York location, at the corner of Third Avenue and 42nd Street, closed in 1991.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2022

Though the first “automatic” restaurant appeared in Germany in the 1890s, Hurwitz traced the American phenom to Philadelphia restaurateurs Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart, who opened their first automat in that city in 1902.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2022

“I am programmed to go up to thirty miles per hour,” the automat replied.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton