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

Scientists have long been sounding the alarm, warning that cell phone addiction is associated with shortened attention spans, sleep problems and anxiety.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The third thought his cell phone was part of his anatomical makeup.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

TMZ shared police bodycam footage from the scene on Thursday that showed Woods talking into his cell phone away from officers.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2026

Easy, recurring savings can often be accessed by switching cell phone or internet plans or insurance companies, or by refinancing a car loan, he said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

A museum employee stood in front of us, holding up Tamika’s cell phone.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• cellular phone
• wireless telephone