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)

telephoned, telephoning 

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

2. to send (a message) by telephone.

verb (used without object)

telephoned, telephoning 

1. to send a message by telephone.

telephone

/ ˈtɛlɪˌfəʊn, ˌtɛlɪˈfɒnɪk /

noun

1. 1. Also called: telephone 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

Other Word Forms

• telephoner noun
• pretelephone adjective
• retelephone verb
• telephonically adverb
• telephonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of telephone¹

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

Example Sentences

One of these—Kidder, Peabody & Co.—helped bankroll the next great innovation that changed investing: the telephone.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“And ICE is gonna come bust down your door/Try to build a house no one builds no more/But I got a telephone/Kids are all scared and all alone,” Bryan sings.

Read more on Salon

The intention was that they would go to work in hospitals to support acutely ill patients but some were sent to do administration, to deliver parcels and to answer telephones, the inquiry heard.

Read more on BBC

April's outage caused significant disruption for nearly a day when it plunged areas into darkness, cutting internet and telephone connections and halting transport links.

Read more on BBC

She telephoned famous anthropologist Louis Leakey out of the blue just hoping for some advice.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• call up 
• contact 
• dial 
• phone