cell phone

American  

[sel-fohn] / ˈsɛlˌfoʊn /

Or cellphone

noun

Telecommunications.

1. a wireless telephone using a system of low-powered radio transmitters, with each transmitter covering a distinct geographical area cell, and computer equipment to switch a call from one area to another, thus enabling broad-scale portable phone service.

2. such a wireless telephone that has other functions, as text messaging or internet access.

3. mobile phone.

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cell phone Cultural  

1. A portable telephone that uses wireless cellular technology to send and receive phone signals. This technology works by dividing the Earth into small regions called cells. Within each cell the wireless telephone signal goes over its assigned bandwidth to a cell tower, which relays the signal to a telephone switching network, connecting the user to the desired party.

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Discover More

The proximity to a cell tower is often the key to good reception when using a cell phone.

Etymology

Origin of cell phone

First recorded in 1980–85; cell(ular) ( def. ) + phone ¹ ( def. )

Compare meaning

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

• cell phone vs. smartphone

Example Sentences

In fact, he has already done this with major U.S. companies that import cell phones and other electronics products.

From Salon

"They're in all modern cell phones, key fobs, garage door openers, most GPS receivers, many radar systems and more."

From Science Daily

Natanson was at her Virginia home at the time of Wednesday’s search, and according to the Post, FBI agents seized her personal laptop and cell phone, along with a Garmin watch and work laptop.

From Salon

If that happens, these clocks could move beyond laboratories and replace timing systems in power grids, cell phone towers, and GPS satellites.

From Science Daily

One girl, one of the ones who had been watching the film, had a cell phone pressed to her ear.

From Literature

Related Words

• cellular phone
• wireless telephone