smartphone

American  

[smahrt-fohn] / ˈsmɑrtˌfoʊn /

Or smart phone

noun

1. a device that combines a cell phone with a handheld computer, typically offering internet access, data storage, email capability, etc.

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smartphone British  

/ ˈsmɑːtˌfəʊn /

noun

1. computing a mobile telephone with computer features that may enable it to interact with computerized systems, send e-mails, and access the web

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Etymology

Origin of smartphone

First recorded in 1995–2000

Compare meaning

How does smartphone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cell phone vs. smartphone

Example Sentences

Education Minister Paul Givan has backed a campaign urging parents not to buy children a smartphone until they are 14.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

He said he was prompted to take action after a parent described feeling they had effectively "lost their child" to a smartphone.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

There’s malware lurking in shady smartphone apps and cheap off-brand household electronics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

But the woman said she has learned hard lessons and will not allow her two other younger children to have a smartphone until they are older.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

You need to use have only if you’re talking about two different times in the past: Until last year, Whiskers was the only cat to have googled on his own smartphone.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner