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

Example Sentences

The second breach related to a telephone conservation in which Constance apologised to Prof Jay.

From BBC

During the protests that rocked Cuba in 2021, the shutdown of web and telephone services made it hard for Cubans to organize across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

Speaking by telephone to Venezuelan TV Rodriguez said she did know the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of US strikes on Caracas and other cities.

From Barron's

What it is: The North Carolina Utilities Commission regulates the rates and services of the state’s public utilities, which include providers of electricity, natural gas, water and telephone service.

From Salon

The few trees that had survived the fire now looked like Christmas trees planted on top of telephone poles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone