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• phone
  phone

  noun

  telephone.
• -phone
  -phone

  a combining form meaning “speech sound” (homophone ), “an instrument of sound transmission or reproduction” (telephone ), “a musical instrument” (saxophone; xylophone ).

phone

¹ American  

[fohn] / foʊn /

noun

1. telephone.

2. a portable electronic telephone device, as a cell phone, mobile phone, or smartphone.

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verb (used with object)

phoned, phoning

1. to speak to or summon (a person) by telephone.

2. to send (a message) by telephone.

verb (used without object)

phoned, phoning

1. to send a message by telephone.

phone ² American  

[fohn] / foʊn /

noun

Phonetics.

1. a speech sound.

   There are three phonetically different “t” phones in an utterance of “titillate,” and two in an utterance of “tattletale.”

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-phone ³ American  

1. a combining form meaning “speech sound” (homophone ), “an instrument of sound transmission or reproduction” (telephone ), “a musical instrument” (saxophone; xylophone ).

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-phone ¹ British  

combining form

1. (forming nouns) indicating voice, sound, or a device giving off sound

   microphone

   telephone

2. (forming nouns and adjectives) (a person) speaking a particular language

   Francophone

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phone ² British  

/ fəʊn /

noun

1. short for telephone

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phone ³ British  

/ fəʊn /

noun

1. phonetics a single uncomplicated speech sound

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Other Word Forms

• -phonic
  combining form
• phonal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of phone¹

First recorded in 1880–85; by shortening

Origin of phone²

First recorded in 1865–70, phone is from the Greek word phōnḗ voice

Origin of -phone³

see origin at phone ²

Example Sentences

Another was busy holding up their phone and described to an audience of close friends and followers what was going on.

From Salon • May 29, 2026

A woman who identified herself as Sheryl Sokoloff hung up the phone when The Times called for comment on the campaign expenditures.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Qatar's emir also spoke with Trump by phone about efforts to reduce escalation, after Doha hosted senior Iranian officials this week.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Even replying “STOP” to a smishing text can increase the number of scam messages you receive, because it confirms someone is actively using the phone number.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

I left my phone in the front hall this morning, and I see right away that Mom has texted three times to ask if we’re OK and if we got stuck in the rain.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial