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

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

From 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.

From Barron's

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.

From MarketWatch

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• call up
• contact
• dial
• phone