handset

American  

[hand-set, hand-set, -set] / ˈhændˌsɛt, ˈhændˈsɛt, -ˌsɛt /

noun

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

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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 British  

/ ˈhændˌsɛt /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of handset

First recorded in 1915–20; hand + set

Example Sentences

Revenue fell to 19.65 billion pounds from 20.36 billion pounds, reflecting lower international revenue including divestments, declines in handset performance and in adjusted U.K. service revenue, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

But unbeknownst to him, his handset was still connected to the Bluetooth speaker.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Additionally, Amon said he expects handset revenue from Chinese customers to reach a low point in the current quarter before returning to growth.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

However, sales in the company’s handset segment fell 13%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Grips the phone so hard, the plastic handset creaks.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle