cell phone

American  

[sel-fohn] / ˈsɛlˌfoʊn /

Or cellphone

noun

Telecommunications.

• cell phones
  plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• cell phones
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of cell phone

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

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Compare meaning

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

• cell phone vs. smartphone

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cell phone

The 80-year-old leader doesn't have a cell phone and sarcastically refers to its users as the "finger-tapping generation."

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026

The defence succeeded in excluding some items - a gun magazine, cell phone, passport, wallet and computer chip, found in Mangione's backpack.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

Rodriguez falsely indicated that the victim’s cell phone number was associated with the robbery suspect.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The Texas Tribune is seeking any footage — cell phone video or other Instagram photos or posts — as well as tips related to the shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo on July 7, 2025.

From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2026

Before the guy could reply, Eisman’s cell phone rang.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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Related Words

• cellular phone
• wireless telephone

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