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Cellphone: meaning, definitions and examples

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cellphone

 

[ ˈsɛlfəʊn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

communication

A portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area.

Synonyms

cell, mobile phone, smartphone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cellphone

Common in American English and general use to refer to a mobile phone.

  • She forgot her cellphone at home.
  • Can I borrow your cellphone to make a quick call?
mobile phone

Primarily used in British English and more formal contexts. It is often used in writing and professional settings.

  • Please contact me on my mobile phone.
  • He was speaking on his mobile phone during the meeting.
cell

Informal or conversational situations in American English. It is a shortened version of 'cellphone'.

  • I'll call you on my cell.
  • What's your cell number?
smartphone

Used when specifically referring to a device with advanced features like internet access, apps, and touch screen. It is common in both American and British English.

  • She loves playing games on her smartphone.
  • This new smartphone model has an excellent camera.

Examples of usage

  • I always keep my cellphone with me in case of emergencies.
  • She forgot her cellphone at home and couldn't be reached.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A hand-held mobile device that combines cellular and computing functions.

Synonyms

mobile device, smartphone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cellphone

Colloquial term commonly used in North America to refer to a handheld device for making calls and texts.

  • She forgot her cellphone at home.
  • Can you give me your cellphone number?
smartphone

Specifically refers to advanced mobile phones with internet connectivity, apps, and touch screens. Used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • He bought a new smartphone with a high-resolution camera.
  • Smartphones are essential tools for modern communication.
mobile device

A general term that includes smartphones, tablets, and other small portable digital devices. Often used in technical or formal contexts.

  • Ensure your mobile device is fully charged before the meeting.
  • The application is compatible with all mobile devices.

Examples of usage

  • He uses his cellphone not just for calls, but also for emails and social media.
  • The new model of the cellphone has a better camera.
Context #3 | Noun

everyday life

An indispensable tool for communication and staying connected in today's society.

Synonyms

device, mobile phone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cellphone

Commonly used in everyday language, especially in the United States, to refer to a portable electronic device for communication.

  • I forgot my cellphone at home
  • Can I borrow yours?
mobile phone

More commonly used in British English and other regions outside the United States. It also emphasizes the portability aspect of the device.

  • I need to buy a new mobile phone
  • His mobile phone has excellent battery life
device

A more general term that can refer to any electronic tool, including but not limited to phones. Often used in more technical contexts.

  • This device can connect to Wi-Fi
  • Which device are you working on?

Examples of usage

  • People rely heavily on their cellphones for both work and personal life.
  • She couldn't imagine living without her cellphone.

Translations

Translations of the word "cellphone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telefone celular

🇮🇳 मोबाइल फोन

🇩🇪 Handy

🇮🇩 ponsel

🇺🇦 мобільний телефон

🇵🇱 telefon komórkowy

🇯🇵 携帯電話 (けいたいでんわ)

🇫🇷 téléphone portable

🇪🇸 teléfono móvil

🇹🇷 cep telefonu

🇰🇷 휴대 전화 (hyudae jeonhwa)

🇸🇦 هاتف محمول

🇨🇿 mobilní telefon

🇸🇰 mobilný telefón

🇨🇳 手机 (shǒujī)

🇸🇮 mobilni telefon

🇮🇸 farsími

🇰🇿 ұялы телефон

🇬🇪 მობილური ტელეფონი

🇦🇿 mobil telefon

🇲🇽 teléfono móvil

Etymology

The term 'cellphone' originated as a combination of 'cellular' and 'phone'. The concept of a portable telephone dates back to the early 20th century, but the modern cellphone as we know it today emerged in the late 20th century with advancements in technology. Cellphones have become an essential part of daily life, revolutionizing communication and connectivity.

See also: cell, cellar, cells, cellular, cellularly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,114 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.