Definition

Noun: A telephone directory, or a specific section within a directory, that lists individuals' names alphabetically along with their corresponding telephone numbers. Traditionally, this section is printed on white paper, distinguishing it from other directory sections like the Yellow Pages (business listings).

Usage

The term "white pages" refers specifically to the residential or personal listings in a phone book. It is used to find a person's phone number when you know their name.

Examples

• I couldn't remember her number, so I looked it up in the white pages.
• Before the internet, everyone used the white pages directory to find phone numbers.
• The phone company provides an online version of the white pages on its website.

Advanced Usage

• The concept can be used metaphorically to refer to any authoritative or comprehensive alphabetical listing of individuals and their contact information, even in digital contexts (e.g., an organization's internal directory).
  • The university's online staff directory is essentially its digital white pages.

Variants and Related Words

• Yellow Pages (noun): A telephone directory or section listing businesses and organizations categorically by the type of service or product they offer, traditionally printed on yellow paper.
• Directory (noun): A book or website listing individuals or organizations alphabetically or thematically with details such as addresses and telephone numbers.

Synonyms

• Phone book (specifically the residential/listings section)
• Telephone directory
• Directory (in context)

Notes

• "White pages" is typically treated as a plural noun (e.g., "the white pages are thick").
• The term originates from the physical color of the paper used for that section in printed telephone directories.

Noun

1. a telephone directory or section of a directory (usually printed on white paper) where the names of people are listed alphabetically along with their telephone numbers