Definition

1. Noun:

   • A system for transmitting speech over a distance: A method or technology that allows people to communicate by converting sound into signals, sending them, and converting them back into sound.
   • The electronic device used for this communication: The physical equipment, typically with a handset or keypad, used to make and receive calls.

2. Verb:

   • To contact someone using a telephone: To get into communication with someone by using the telephone system.
   • To make a telephone call: The act of dialing a number and speaking through the telephone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The telephone rang loudly in the quiet office.
  • She put him on speaker telephone so everyone could hear.

• Verb:

  • Please telephone the office if you will be late.
  • He telephoned to say he had arrived safely.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on the telephone": To be engaged in a telephone call.

  • She has been on the telephone for an hour.

• "By telephone": Using the telephone as the method of communication.

  • The reservation was made by telephone.

Variants and Related Words

• Telephony (n): The technology or industry of telephone communication.

  • The history of telephony is fascinating.

• Telephonic (adj): Relating to or conducted by telephone.

  • We had a telephonic interview.

• Telephonist (n): (Chiefly British) A person who operates a telephone switchboard.

Synonyms

• Noun: Phone, handset, line.
• Verb: Call, phone, ring (up).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Telephone in: To make a call to a place, especially to participate or report.

  • The reporter telephoned in the story from the scene.

• Telephone ahead/through: To call a place before arriving or to get a connection.

  • We telephoned ahead to confirm our reservation.

Related Idioms

• "On the telephone": Having a telephone line installed or connected; also, engaged in a call.

  • Are they on the telephone yet at the new house?

• "Telephone tag": A situation where two people repeatedly miss each other's phone calls.

  • We've been playing telephone tag all week trying to schedule the meeting.

Noun

1. transmitting speech at a distance
2. electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
   • I talked to him on the telephone

Verb

1. get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone
   • I tried to call you all night
   • Take two aspirin and call me in the morning