mobile phone

American  

noun

1. any wireless telephone that operates over a relatively large area, as a cell phone or PCS phone.

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mobile phone British  

noun

1. a portable telephone that works by means of a cellular radio system

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Etymology

Origin of mobile phone

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Mobile phone theft has soared in London over recent years and many victims have criticised the Met over both failing to prevent the crime and in their response after their phone has been stolen.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Mobile phone net additions were 50,000 in the quarter, down 20,000 from a year earlier, and just below the 50,800 expected by analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Mobile phone average revenue per user fell 1.6% as customers shifted to cheaper base-rate plans, roaming weakened, and competition among the big telecom providers continued to pressure pricing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Mobile phone services have been jammed and traffic disrupted in the affected districts, while train services have been suspended across the province.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Mobile phone analysis linked Emmanuel-Thomas to the discovery, with him texting Miss Piotrowska to "delete everything from our chat if you can" when she was stopped and searched.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2025