The term PROMPTS ON ANSWERING MACHINES can be summarized by the five-letter word BEEPS. Answering machines are devices that allow people to leave a message when they call a phone number and the person they are trying to reach is not available. The prompts on answering machines are the audio cues that guide the caller through the process of leaving a message. These prompts are usually in the form of BEEPS, which is why the term PROMPTS ON ANSWERING MACHINES can be summarized by the word BEEPS.