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

Mobile phone net additions were 50,000 in the quarter, down 20,000 from a year earlier, and just below the 50,800 expected by analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Mobile phone average revenue per user fell 1.6% as customers shifted to cheaper base-rate plans, roaming weakened, and competition among the big telecom providers continued to pressure pricing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Mobile phone services have been jammed and traffic disrupted in the affected districts, while train services have been suspended across the province.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Mobile phone users received a message making clear that the alert was a drill.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2025

Mobile phone footage which prosecutors claim shows the moment the "iconic" Sycamore Gap tree was felled has been shown to jurors.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2025