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

The accusation is focused around two telephone calls that Netanyahu received as the Hamas cross border raid was unfolding on 7 October 2023.

From BBC

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

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

Anzorov made an initial note on his telephone that read: “A teacher has shown his class a picture of the messenger of Allah naked.”

From BBC

Pollsters combine election-day interviews with telephone polling both nationally and in the seven swing states.

From BBC

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone