telephone

[tel-uh-fohn]

noun

1. an apparatus, system, or process for transmission of sound or speech to a distant point, especially by an electric device.

verb (used with object)

telephoned, telephoning 

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

2. to send (a message) by telephone.

verb (used without object)

telephoned, telephoning 

1. to send a message by telephone.

telephone

/ ˈtɛlɪˌfəʊn, ˌtɛlɪˈfɒnɪk /

noun

1. 1. Also called: telephone set. an electrical device for transmitting speech, consisting of a microphone and receiver mounted on a handset

   2. ( as modifier )

      a telephone receiver

2. 1. a worldwide system of communications using telephones. The microphone in one telephone converts sound waves into electrical signals that are transmitted along a telephone wire or by radio to one or more distant sets, the receivers of which reconvert the incoming signal into the original sound

   2. ( as modifier )

      a telephone exchange

      a telephone call

3. See telephone box

verb

1. to call or talk to (a person) by telephone

2. to transmit (a recorded message, radio or television programme, or other information) by telephone, using special transmitting and receiving equipment

Other Word Forms

• telephoner noun
• pretelephone adjective
• retelephone verb
• telephonically adverb
• telephonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of telephone¹

First recorded in 1825–35; tele- ¹ + -phone

Example Sentences

Catalonia's civil protection service sent a telephone alert urging residents in the Montsia region to avoid travelling and approaching waterways.

Read more on Barron's

Christiane Irwin, a 46-year-old Texas accountant convicted of defrauding a law firm where she worked, said in a telephone interview she could discuss Maxwell only in general terms because of the prohibition.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He describes sleeping in parks and public telephone boxes at night in Cardiff.

Read more on BBC

Conversations with the pension funds for more domestic investment have already started, Joly said in a telephone interview.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“A handwritten sign on a wall, a name on a doorplate, a flyer on a telephone pole, or an unusual magazine at a newsstand would spin me toward a story.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• call up 
• contact 
• dial 
• phone