telephone

American  

[tel-uh-fohn] / ˈtɛl əˌfoʊn /

noun

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

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

Etymology

Origin of telephone

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

Explanation

A telephone is an electronic device that you use for conversations over great distances. Telephones used to be fixed to walls and connected by cables, but now most people have cellular telephones, known as cell phones or mobiles. A telephone takes sound waves, converts it into electronic signals, and then converts that back into sound waves — pretty neat. Early telephones frightened people because it seemed spooky that someone not in the room (or even the country) could speak to you, but nowadays distant communication seems perfectly normal. If your mother asks you to telephone her, she wants you to give her a call. The word comes from the Greek words for "afar" (tele-) and "voice"(phone).

Example Sentences

The report found that displaced workers in jobs hit by technological shifts—such as telephone operators and typists—suffered both short- and long-term economic impacts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

He was due to have a telephone appointment on Tuesday after having a number of mini strokes – or TIAs as they are known – in January.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

"The best intelligence you're going to get is as you're floating to the ground," Cantwell said in a telephone interview.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

People have contacted the service roughly 25 million times since July 2022, when the previous 10-digit telephone number officially converted to the shorter and more memorable 988.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

“How often do people leave their names with telephone operators?”

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone