phone

¹ American  

[fohn] / foʊn /

noun

1. telephone.

2. a portable electronic telephone device, as a cell phone, mobile phone, or smartphone.

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verb (used with object)

phoned, phoning

1. to speak to or summon (a person) by telephone.

2. to send (a message) by telephone.

verb (used without object)

phoned, phoning

1. to send a message by telephone.

phone ² American  

[fohn] / foʊn /

noun

Phonetics.

1. a speech sound.

   There are three phonetically different “t” phones in an utterance of “titillate,” and two in an utterance of “tattletale.”

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-phone ³ American  

1. a combining form meaning “speech sound” (homophone ), “an instrument of sound transmission or reproduction” (telephone ), “a musical instrument” (saxophone; xylophone ).

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-phone ¹ British  

combining form

1. (forming nouns) indicating voice, sound, or a device giving off sound

   microphone

   telephone

2. (forming nouns and adjectives) (a person) speaking a particular language

   Francophone

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phone ² British  

/ fəʊn /

noun

1. short for telephone

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phone ³ British  

/ fəʊn /

noun

1. phonetics a single uncomplicated speech sound

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Other Word Forms

• -phonic combining form
• phonal adjective

Etymology

Origin of phone¹

First recorded in 1880–85; by shortening

Origin of phone²

First recorded in 1865–70, phone is from the Greek word phōnḗ voice

Origin of -phone³

see origin at phone ²

Example Sentences

"Coal's true cost is being hidden in hospitals and in early graves," Moyo told AFP in a phone interview, dismissing the government's argument that the delay is for economic reasons.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

“This verdict means a lot to them because they feel that there’s some justice for their father, some vindication that his life meant something,” Galipo said in a phone interview.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

For David, navigating this process meant spending ten hours on the phone and resubmitting the same clinical documentation three times.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

A statement went on to say a "thorough consultation process with parents, teachers, and young people themselves, is key to creating effective solutions to the problems associated with mobile phone use in schools."

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

You pull out your phone to call your sister, even if Cassie will be annoyed, but the screen doesn’t light up.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial