car phone

American  

noun

1. a cell phone intended for use in a car.

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car phone British  

noun

1. a telephone that operates by cellular radio for use in a car

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Etymology

Origin of car phone

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Suddenly I was no longer idling in my parked car, phone propped up on my steering wheel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2025

The reviewers present a clear evaluation: should you buy this car, phone, or airline ticket?

From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021

She says if you're stopped by someone who is alone, in plain clothes and an unmarked car, phone 999 to check who they are.

From BBC • Oct. 1, 2021

As Vergecast listeners know, I am a sucker for car phone mounts and chargers.

From The Verge • Apr. 16, 2021

He went to a supervisor at GTE and said, “Everything we know from aviation psychology indicates this is likely to be troublesome,” referring to the idea of a car phone.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel