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

Last week, the Trump family’s mobile phone company announced in a social media post that the phones would be “shipping this week” to customers who preordered the device.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

The shipping and delivery confusion surrounding the T1 mobile phone is just one part of the story for a device marred in controversy.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

The company had been in financial trouble, and Alex says he was owed thousands in unpaid invoices, so he decided to record the meeting on a mobile phone in his jacket pocket, to "protect himself".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

The fees can be paid at pay-and-display machines or by mobile phone, but Blue Badge holders can park free of charge provided a valid badge is displayed.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Later that night, while I was sneaking Shannon's pink jacket back into her wardrobe, I found Salim's mobile phone in the picket.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd