telephone

American  

[tel-uh-fohn] / ˈtɛl əˌfoʊn /

noun

1. an apparatus, system, or process for transmission of sound or speech to a distant point, especially by an electric device.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of telephone

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

Example Sentences

People have contacted the service roughly 25 million times since July 2022, when the previous 10-digit telephone number officially converted to the shorter and more memorable 988.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

When Robyn issues a new song or album, it feels like picking up the telephone and hearing the voice of an old friend.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Those sources can be wrong, and facts can be lost or warped in the game of telephone.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Investment banking went on to underwrite construction of the railroad, the telephone, and an industrial revolution that turned America into an economic and military superpower.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

I have heard that voice say that word to me on the telephone.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone