telephone book

noun

1. a book, directory, or the like, usually containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers in a city or other area, together with their addresses and telephone numbers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of telephone book¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

“What bothers me, people young and old try to minimize you by saying, ‘Well, Quincy’s strongest suit is that he’s got a strong telephone book ... and he can just call up anybody!’ ” he said in 2001.

From Los Angeles Times

She holds on to her husband’s possessions — his telephone book and wallet — as if they were jewels.

From Seattle Times

One even decorated the cover of the telephone book in Fortaleza where the artist — known simply as Chico — lived and established a pioneering and controversial collective studio practice.

From New York Times

If you have ever had the misfortune to search through the telephone book for somebody called Hanna in Kilkeel, County Down, you will find nearly 50 entries.

From BBC

Roper equated election polling to stunts like "tearing a telephone book in two" – impressive, but not all that consequential.

From Salon

Related Words

• directory
• phone book
• yellow pages