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

The device includes specific features to thwart youth use and requires users to verify their age via a linked phone app.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But she said the GP prescribed her increasingly higher doses of anti-depressant medication over the phone, until she was on the maximum amount.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“Software is probably the bargain; semiconductors are the momentum,” said Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist and a portfolio manager at Hightower Advisors, in a phone interview.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Ohs works in evocative details: inserted frames of color, like mood flashes, or a shot of a lonely phone ringing, never getting picked up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

I use the camera function on my cell phone to watch her get situated and slip on her earbuds.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial