telephone book

American  

noun

1. a book, directory, or the like, usually containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers in a city or other area, together with their addresses and telephone numbers.

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Etymology

Origin of telephone book

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Carolyn Bennett remembers flipping through a yellow telephone book in the 1980s to find carpet stores and workers who refinished wood to help renovate her home.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2025

She holds on to her husband’s possessions — his telephone book and wallet — as if they were jewels.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024

If you have ever had the misfortune to search through the telephone book for somebody called Hanna in Kilkeel, County Down, you will find nearly 50 entries.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2023

Roper equated election polling to stunts like "tearing a telephone book in two" – impressive, but not all that consequential.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2022

The telephone book slipped from its nail and splashed to the floor, whereupon Jordan whispered "Excuse me"--but this time no one laughed.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Related Words

• directory
• phone book
• yellow pages