mobile phone

American  

noun

1. any wireless telephone that operates over a relatively large area, as a cell phone or PCS phone.

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mobile phone British  

noun

1. a portable telephone that works by means of a cellular radio system

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Etymology

Origin of mobile phone

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Sukram Ursa, 21, who surrendered in December, said he had swapped his assault rifle for a government-gifted mobile phone.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

In a windowed studio overlooking Third Avenue in midtown Manhattan, Catsimatidis can be seen scrolling through his mobile phone and looking as if his mind is elsewhere while on the air.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

A mobile phone video appears to show an Israeli soldier opening fire.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Musk's company, which is private, says it already has more than 10,000 active satellites offering internet and mobile phone service to more than 10 million paying customers.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

He said that if I needed anything I should call him on his mobile phone.

From "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon