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

Spanish media report that emergency services issued a telephone alert to those covered by the red alert, with people urged to avoid flood-prone areas, including low-lying ground and basements.

From BBC

In her book, Harris recounts the hours after Biden’s sudden withdrawal, when she began telephoning top Democrats around the country to lock in their support.

From Los Angeles Times

A number of unidentified fingerprints were found at the scene and a telephone handset that was on the wall behind the counter was gone.

From BBC

It is likely to be critical of how the police used reporters' telephone numbers to check for leaks of information.

From BBC

But investigators have now said the two people involved drove a Serb-registered car, used a Croatian mobile telephone, and crossed into Belgium a few hours later.

From BBC

Related Words

• call up 
• contact 
• dial 
• phone