Definition

Noun: A printed or electronic directory that lists the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of subscribers in a specific area, typically organized alphabetically.

Usage

The term "phone book" refers to the complete directory. It is a countable noun. * You look up a person's number in the phone book. * A phone book is often delivered to households and businesses.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I found his address in the phone book.
  • The new phone book was much thinner than last year's edition.
  • Before the internet, everyone used a phone book to find local businesses.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the phone book": To have one's name and number listed in the directory.
  • Their number is unlisted, so you won't find them in the phone book.
• "white pages" / "yellow pages": These are specific sections within a traditional phone book. The "white pages" list residential and business subscribers alphabetically by name. The "yellow pages" list businesses alphabetically by category or type of service.

Variants and Related Words

• Telephone book (n): A formal synonym for "phone book."
• Directory (n): A more general term for a book listing individuals or organizations in alphabetical order, which can include a phone book.
• Contacts (n): In modern digital context, a personal list of names and numbers stored on a phone or computer, which has largely replaced the function of a physical phone book for personal use.

Synonyms

• Telephone directory
• Phone directory

Related Idioms

• "Not listed in the phone book": Used to describe someone who chooses to keep their telephone number private and unlisted in the public directory.
  • He's very private; his number is not listed in the phone book.

Noun

1. a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers and their telephone numbers