1
telephone
/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/
noun
plural
telephones
plural
telephones
Britannica Dictionary definition of TELEPHONE
1
[noncount]
:
a system that uses wires and radio signals to send sounds (such as people's voices) over long distances
:
phone
-
We spoke by telephone.
-
a telephone line/company/operator
-
I just have to make a quick telephone call before we leave.
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You can order the cake over the telephone.
-
(Brit) He screamed at me down the telephone. [=through the telephone]
2
[count]
:
a device that is connected to a telephone system and that you use to listen or speak to someone who is somewhere else
:
phone
-
The telephone has been ringing all morning!
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She picked up the telephone and dialed the number.
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He slammed/put down the telephone.
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They hired someone to answer the telephones.
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All our telephones are cordless.
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I left the telephone off the hook.
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a public telephone
-
a cellular telephone [=cell phone]
on the telephone
1
:
using a telephone to talk to someone
2
British
:
connected to a telephone system
2
telephone
/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/
verb
telephones;
telephoned;
telephoning
2
telephone
/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/
verb
telephones;
telephoned;
telephoning
Britannica Dictionary definition of TELEPHONE
:
to speak or try to speak to (someone) using a telephone
:
to call or phone (someone)
[+ object]
[no object]