handset

[hand-set, hand-set, -set]

noun

1. Also called French telephone. a telephone having a mouthpiece and earpiece mounted at opposite ends of a handle.

verb (used with object)

handset, handsetting 

1. to set (type) by hand.

adjective

1. (of type) set by hand.

2. (of a publication) printed directly from type set by hand.

handset

/ ˈhændˌsɛt /

noun

1. a telephone mouthpiece and earpiece mounted so that they can be held simultaneously to mouth and ear

Word History and Origins

Origin of handset¹

First recorded in 1915–20; hand + set

Example Sentences

It claims the firm forced Apple and Samsung to pay inflated prices and licensing fees for essential handset components, which then pushed up the cost of those smartphones for consumers.

From BBC

A number of unidentified fingerprints were found at the scene and a telephone handset that was on the wall behind the counter was gone.

From BBC

US firm Apple is moving much of its iPhone production to India - in particular the manufacturing of handsets that it wants to sell in the US.

From BBC

But if it looks like costs incurred by tariffs will result in higher price tags, some may look to rival handsets or second-hand devices.

From BBC

Tesco Clubcard members already have the option to use Scan as you Shop handsets as they fill their trolleys then check out and pay at the end.

From BBC