Mobile phone: meaning, definitions and examples

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mobile phone

 

[ ˈmoʊbəl foʊn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

communication device

A mobile phone, also known as a cell phone, is a portable device that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area. It functions by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile phone operator, allowing access to public telephone and data networks.

Synonyms

cell phone, smartphone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mobile phone

This term is commonly used in British English to refer to a portable telephone that uses a cellular network. It can refer to both basic and advanced phones.

  • I forgot my mobile phone at home.
  • Can you text me on my mobile phone?
cell phone

This term is primarily used in American English to describe a portable telephone that operates on a cellular network and is carried around by people.

  • Please turn off your cell phone during the meeting.
  • He always checks his cell phone for messages.
smartphone

Use this term to refer to advanced mobile phones that have capabilities similar to a computer, such as internet access, apps, and high-resolution cameras.

  • I just downloaded a new app on my smartphone.
  • With my smartphone, I can check emails and take photos.

Examples of usage

  • I use my mobile phone to call my friends and family.
  • She sent me a text message on my mobile phone.
  • Mobile phones have become an essential tool for communication in today's society.
  • I always carry my mobile phone with me wherever I go.
  • Many people rely on their mobile phones for work and personal tasks.

Translations

Translations of the word "mobile phone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 telefone móvel

🇮🇳 मोबाइल फोन

🇩🇪 Handy

🇮🇩 telepon seluler

🇺🇦 мобільний телефон

🇵🇱 telefon komórkowy

🇯🇵 携帯電話

🇫🇷 téléphone portable

🇪🇸 teléfono móvil

🇹🇷 cep telefonu

🇰🇷 휴대 전화

🇸🇦 الهاتف المحمول

🇨🇿 mobilní telefon

🇸🇰 mobilný telefón

🇨🇳 手机

🇸🇮 mobilni telefon

🇮🇸 farsími

🇰🇿 ұялы телефон

🇬🇪 მობილური ტელეფონი

🇦🇿 mobil telefon

🇲🇽 teléfono móvil

Etymology

The concept of a mobile phone dates back to the early 20th century when researchers began experimenting with wireless communication. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that the first commercially available mobile phones were introduced. These early devices were large and bulky compared to today's sleek smartphones. Over the years, mobile phone technology has advanced rapidly, leading to the development of compact and feature-rich devices that have revolutionized communication worldwide.