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telephone definition

tele·phone (tel′ə fōn′)

noun

  1. ☆ a system for transmitting speech or computerized information over distances, usually by converting sounds into electric impulses that are sent through a network of wires and cables: some systems transmit by means of radio waves
  2. any device having a transmitter, receiver, and dialing mechanism, used in a telephone system

Etymology: tele- + -phone: term adopted by Alexander Graham Bell (1876) after use for other sound instruments

intransitive verb telephoned -·phoned′, telephoning -·phon′·ing

  1. to talk over a telephone; convey a message by telephone
  2. to try to make a connection by dialing a telephone number

transitive verb

  1. to convey (a message) by telephone
  2. to speak to or reach (a person) by telephone; call

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

telecom telephone definition - telecom

telephone Synonyms

telephone

n.

phone, private phone, extension phone, radiophone, radio telephone, car phone, cellular phone, pay phone, public telephone, speakerphone, conference phone, wireless telephone, cordless telephone, French phone, mouthpiece, line*, party line*, local line*, long distance*, the horn*, the blower* (British), extension*, booth phone*; see also communications, radio 2.


telephone

v.

call, call up, phone, ring, ring up, make a call to, dial, call on the phone, put in a call to, phone up*, give a ring*, give a buzz*, buzz*.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

telephone Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • please: For a quicker response please telephone - thank you.

Preposition: with

  • voicemail: Telephone with voicemail, Internet access and satellite TV are standard; use of the sauna is also included.

Adjective modifier

  • direct-dial: They all have direct-dial telephones with automatic billing, power showers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and fridge-freezers.

Modifies a noun

  • number: For ordering details please see telephone contact numbers at the bottom.

Noun used with modifier

  • dial: All rooms are en-suite with color TV, direct dial telephone, trouser press, ironing board, tea / coffee making facilities.
telephone usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

telephone quotes

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

-Auden,W(ystan) H(ugh)

Glamour is what makes a man ask for your telephone number. But it also is what makes a woman ask for the name of your dressmaker.

-Dache¤  , Lilly

Cyberspace is where you are when you're on the telephone.

-Gibson,William Ford

telephone quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"telephone." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/telephone>

APA Style

telephone. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/telephone

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