Definition

1. Noun:
   • A printed or electronic directory: A "phonebook" is a directory, typically organized alphabetically, that lists the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of subscribers within a specific geographical area or service network.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I looked up her number in the phonebook.
  • The new phonebook was delivered to every house in the city.
  • Many people now use online phonebooks instead of printed ones.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in the phonebook": To have one's name and number listed in the directory.
  • Their business is in the phonebook under "Plumbing Services".
• "Out of the phonebook": Describing a service or contact found directly from the directory listings.
  • He found a lawyer out of the phonebook.

Variants and Related Words

• Telephone book (n): A full, formal name for a phonebook. This is a compound term.
  • The telephone book is also called the white pages.
• Directory (n): A more general term for a book or listing of individuals or organizations.
• White Pages (n): A section of a phonebook (or a standalone directory) listing residential and business subscribers alphabetically by name.
• Yellow Pages (n): A section of a phonebook (or a standalone directory) listing business telephone numbers and advertisements, categorized by the type of product or service.

Synonyms

• Directory: A book listing individuals or organizations systematically.
• Telephone directory: A formal term for a phonebook.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Phonebook" itself is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. The related actions involve verbs like "look up," "list in," or "check.")

Related Idioms

• "Let your fingers do the walking": An advertising slogan for the Yellow Pages, encouraging people to search for services in the phonebook.
  • Need a pizza? Let your fingers do the walking through the phonebook.

Noun

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