phone

phone · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A device for transmitting speech electronically over a distance.

  2. 2.

    A telephone call.

  3. 3.

    To make a telephone call to someone.

Forms

plural: phones

Related words

See also: call, cell, mobile, telephone
Synonyms: cell phone, mobile, telephone

Etymology

Shortened form of telephone, from Greek tele (far) + phone (voice, sound). The clipped form phone emerged in the late 19th century as telephones became common. The Greek root phone comes from Proto-Indo-European bha- meaning "to speak."