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Phone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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phone

[fəʊn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

communication

A device that is used to make and receive calls, send messages, and access the internet.

Synonyms

cell phone, mobile phone, smartphone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phone

A general term used for all types of telecommunication devices that enable voice communication. It can refer to both landline and mobile devices.

  • I'll call you later from my phone.
  • She left her phone at home.
cell phone

Commonly used in the United States and Canada to refer to a portable phone that operates using cellular network technology.

  • I need to charge my cell phone.
  • He bought a new case for his cell phone.
mobile phone

Commonly used outside North America, particularly in the UK and other countries, to refer to a portable phone.

  • She always has her mobile phone with her.
  • Can you give me your mobile phone number?
smartphone

Specifically refers to advanced mobile phones that have computing capability, internet access, and various applications.

  • He uses his smartphone to check his emails.
  • Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate.

Examples of usage

  • I left my phone at home.
  • She always carries her phone with her.
  • He answered the phone on the first ring.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A telephone.

Synonyms

landline, telephone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phone

Common word used in everyday conversation to refer to both mobile devices and landlines.

  • I need to charge my phone.
  • Can you call me on my phone?
telephone

A more formal term for a communication device, can refer to both landlines and mobile phones. Often used in professional or official contexts.

  • Please answer the telephone in my office.
  • The telephone has been ringing all day.
landline

Specifically refers to a fixed, non-mobile telephone line. Used in contexts where clarity is needed to distinguish from mobile phones.

  • You can reach me on my landline after work hours.
  • Do you have a landline number?

Examples of usage

  • I used to have a landline phone at home.
  • She picked up the phone and dialed the number.
  • The phone rang in the middle of the night.
Context #3 | Verb

communication

To make a phone call.

Synonyms

call, dial, ring up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
phone

Commonly used to describe the general action of contacting someone via a telephone.

  • I'll phone you when I get home.
  • She phoned her friend to share the good news.
call

Typically used to refer to the act of initiating a voice communication with someone via a phone.

  • I'll call you later today.
  • He called his sister to ask for help.
dial

Specifically used to describe the action of entering a phone number into a device to make a call.

  • She dialed the emergency number quickly.
  • I had to dial his number twice before I got through.
ring up

A more informal or colloquial way of saying 'call' or 'phone,' used predominantly in British English.

  • I'll ring you up tomorrow.
  • He rang up his colleague to discuss the project.

Examples of usage

  • I will phone you when I arrive.
  • She phoned her friend to invite her to the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Development

  • Alexander Graham Bell was awarded the first US patent for an electric telephone in 1876.
  • The earliest phones were not portable and required a wired connection, making communication limited to fixed locations.
  • In 1983, the first commercial handheld mobile phone became available, paving the way for today's smartphones.

Cultural Impact

  • Cell phones have revolutionized communication, allowing instant access to anyone, anywhere, changing social interaction.
  • In many cultures, the phone is a symbol of modern technology and connectivity, bridging distances and relationships.
  • The phrase 'there's an app for that' reflects the phone's evolution into a tool not just for communication, but for various tasks and entertainment.

Technology

  • Modern smartphones possess more computing power than the computers that originally put humans on the moon.
  • Voice recognition technology enables hands-free phone use, transforming how people interact with devices.
  • The development of 5G technology promises faster data speeds and improved connectivity for phones around the globe.

Psychology

  • Research shows that excessive phone usage can lead to increased anxiety and decreased face-to-face interactions.
  • The phenomenon of 'phantom vibration syndrome' occurs when people believe their phones are vibrating, even when they aren't.
  • Smartphone notifications can trigger dopamine release in the brain, similar to rewards, thus boosting habitual checking.

Origin of 'phone'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'phone' comes from the Greek word 'phone,' meaning 'voice' or 'sound.'
  • The term 'telephone' was coined in the 19th century, combining 'tele,' meaning 'distant,' with 'phone.'
  • The prefix 'tele-' comes from Greek roots, meaning 'far off,' which is indicative of the phone's purpose.

The word 'phone' is a shortened form of 'telephone', which comes from the Greek words 'tele' meaning 'far' and 'phone' meaning 'voice'. The first telephones were invented in the 19th century and have since evolved into the smartphones we use today for communication and internet access.

See also: phoneme, phonemic, phoner, phonetics, phoney, phonically, smartphone, telephone, telephonist.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,310, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.