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

Dead Man’s Cell Phone A woman becomes enmeshed in the life of a recently deceased stranger in Sarah Ruhl’s comedy-drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2020

McGruff the Crime Dog was there, of course, but so was a new addition to help teach the do’s and dont’s of 911 — Sally the Cell Phone.

From Washington Post • May 15, 2018

Also on the table was his recent seven-inch single, “You Can Have a Cell Phone That’s Okay But Not Me.”

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2012

Q. Cell Phone Dinner Etiquette: Recently I went out for a post-Christmas dinner with a dozen relatives.

From Slate • Jan. 3, 2012

We live in the Age of the Cell Phone, but I do not have her cell phone number.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• cellular phone
• wireless telephone