telephone

[ tel-uh-fohn ]

noun

1. an apparatus, system, or process for transmission of sound or speech to a distant point, especially by an electric device.

verb (used with object)

, tel·e·phoned, tel·e·phon·ing.

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

verb (used without object)

, tel·e·phoned, tel·e·phon·ing.

1. to send a message by telephone.

telephone

/ ˈtɛlɪˌfəʊn; ˌtɛlɪˈfɒnɪk /

noun

1. 1. Also calledtelephone set an electrical device for transmitting speech, consisting of a microphone and receiver mounted on a handset
   2. ( as modifier )

      a telephone receiver

2. 1. a worldwide system of communications using telephones. The microphone in one telephone converts sound waves into electrical signals that are transmitted along a telephone wire or by radio to one or more distant sets, the receivers of which reconvert the incoming signal into the original sound
   2. ( as modifier )

      a telephone exchange

      a telephone call

3. See telephone box

verb

1. to call or talk to (a person) by telephone
2. to transmit (a recorded message, radio or television programme, or other information) by telephone, using special transmitting and receiving equipment

Derived Forms

• ˈteleˌphoner, noun
• ˌteleˈphonically, adverb
• telephonic, adjective

Other Words From

• tele·phoner noun
• pre·tele·phone adjective
• re·tele·phone verb retelephoned retelephoning

Word History and Origins

Origin of telephone¹

First recorded in 1825–35; tele- ¹ + -phone

Example Sentences

Budehaven Community School in Bude, Cornwall said it had "experienced a complete breakdown of our internet, registration and telephone services" and was "unable to safeguard our pupils" until the system was fixed by its external provider.

From BBC

Named after Colombia’s telephone code, the dance track is loaded with features from Medellín-born artists — including reggaeton sensations J Balvin and Maluma — and debuted at No. 1 on Spotify in Colombia with 1,042,412 streams.

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t respond to a message I left at the telephone number he listed.

From Los Angeles Times

Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number.

From Los Angeles Times

Cassie still seemed to worry about her birth mother, and would try to call her on a toy telephone.

From BBC

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone