telephone Hear it!

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 -·phoned′, -·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

telephone Related Forms
tel′e·phon′er noun tel′e·phon′ic (-fän′ik) adjective tel′e·phon′i·cally adverb
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 Synonyms

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*.

telephone Telecom Definition
From the Greek tele, meaning far off, and phone, meaning a sound, and translating literally as asound far off. See also Hellenologophobia. 1. A device comprising a transmitter, receiver, and dialing mechanism (dial or keypad), and used for transmitting speech over distances by converting acoustical signals into electrical signals. A typical telephone can be analog or digital in nature, and be equipped with a dial or keypad. See also acoustics, electricity, receiver, signal, speech, and transmitter. 2. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance, at least according to Ambrose Bierce (1842
telephone Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • please: For a quicker response please telephone - thank you.
  • answer: Our 24 hour staffed helpline has designated slots where a multi lingual worker will answer the telephone.

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.
  • mobile: Persons calling the 0800 555 111 number from a mobile telephone will be connected to the national Crimestoppers Call center in Surrey.
  • cordless: The Logitech Cordless Internet Handset makes using Skype on the PC as easy as using a typical cordless telephone.
  • cellular: OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that using handheld cellular telephones is related to the risk of primary brain cancer.
  • direct: All rooms are en-suite with color TV, direct dial telephone, trouser press, ironing board, tea / coffee making facilities.
  • portable: When used on Plan 4 installations it can be fitted with a jack into which can be plugged a portable telephone.

Modifies a noun

  • number: For ordering details please see telephone contact numbers at the bottom.
  • conversation: She asked him to wait whilst she finished her telephone conversation, which he did.
  • helpline: A telephone helpline will be available to answer any of their questions.
  • call: You may wish to visit, write, or make a telephone call to someone from your past.
  • directory: They can be found in telephone directories or by contacting the Radon Council.
  • +44: By telephone +44 ( 0 ) 20 7222 1061 during opening hours.

Noun used with modifier

  • dial: All rooms are en-suite with color TV, direct dial telephone, trouser press, ironing board, tea / coffee making facilities.
  • analog: ISDN is a digital telecommunications technology which can provide greater bandwidth than is possible over the usual analog telephone circuits.
  • touch-tone: To obtain a contents list, dial 301-402-5874 or 1-800-624-2511 from a touch-tone telephone or fax machine hand set and follow the recorded instructions.
  • contact: You must Notify us immediately of any changes to the contact telephone or facsimile numbers.
  • day-time: Please help the team with this by including day-time telephone numbers with any booking.
telephone Quotes

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

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)

   My sole inspiration is a telephone call from a director.

—Porter, Cole

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

—Gibson,William Ford