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

By the early 20th century, typewriters and telephones were standard office equipment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"As a young Lebanese woman living abroad, this visit represents a deep reassurance that Lebanon is not forgotten," the Australian-born Mazraani, 23, who works in sales and marketing, told AFP by telephone.

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Murphy’s extravagant abode is a far cry from his very humble upbringing in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was raised in public housing by his telephone operator mother, Lillian Laney, and police officer dad, Charles Murphy.

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After roughly five minutes of dogged competition between a pair of telephone bidders, it sold for $54.7 million.

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As if unwilling to reveal anything of his inner self, Dillon kept his desktop bare save for a pencil, a notebook and a telephone.

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Related Words

• call up 
• contact 
• dial 
• phone