Mobile phone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mobile phone
[ˈmoʊbəl foʊn ]
Definition
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The idea of mobile communication began as early as the 1940s, with radio phones used in vehicles.
- The first handheld mobile phone call was made in 1973 by Martin Cooper, who worked for Motorola.
- The first commercially available mobile phone, the Motorola DynaTAC, was released in 1983 and cost nearly $4,000!
Technology Evolution
- The transition from analog to digital around the 1990s allowed for better sound quality and more services, like text messaging.
- Smartphones, which began to emerge in the early 2000s, combined mobile phones with computing capabilities, changing how we use them.
- Modern mobile phones now include features such as cameras, GPS, and internet access, turning them into all-in-one devices.
Cultural Impact
- Mobile phones played a critical role in social movements, enabling people to organize and communicate instantly.
- They have contributed to the phenomenon of 'phubbing', where people ignore those around them in favor of their phones, affecting social interactions.
- The rise of mobile applications has transformed industries ranging from entertainment to education, creating an app economy.
Pop Culture
- Numerous films and TV shows showcase mobile phones as pivotal plot devices, illustrating their importance in modern life.
- Popular music often references mobile phones in themes of love, connection, and social life, resonating with younger audiences.
- Celebrities frequently use their mobile phones to connect with fans via social media, changing how we perceive fame.
Psychology
- Research indicates that frequent use of mobile phones can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and loneliness in some individuals.
- The act of checking phones constantly can become a compulsive behavior, often referred to as 'nomophobia' – the fear of being without one's phone.
- Mobile phones can also enhance learning experiences through educational apps, allowing users to engage with information actively.
Origin of 'mobile phone'
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.