a system for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio, by converting acoustic vibrations to electrical signals, an instrument used for transmitting and receiving telephone messages

Formal and Informal Expressions of telephone

In different contexts, you can replace 'telephone' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'telephone, phone' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'phone, cell' is a commonplace synonym.

telephone: Explore its Definition & Usage

telephone Definition

1a system for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio, by converting acoustic vibrations to electrical signals
2an instrument used for transmitting and receiving telephone messages

Using telephone: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "telephone" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I'll give you a call on the telephone later.
Example
The telephone rang loudly in the middle of the night.
Example
She answered the telephone and spoke to her friend for an hour.
Example
He picked up the telephone and dialed the number.

telephone Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for telephone

Phrases with telephone

hang up the telephone
to end a phone call by putting the receiver back on its base
Example
She hung up the telephone without saying goodbye.
on the telephone
speaking to someone on the phone
Example
I was on the telephone with my boss for an hour.
telephone tag
a situation where two people keep missing each other's phone calls and are unable to speak directly
Example
We've been playing telephone tag all day, but I still haven't been able to talk to him.

Origins of telephone

from Greek 'tele-' meaning 'far' + 'phone' meaning 'sound'

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Summary: telephone in Brief

A 'telephone' [ˈtɛləfəʊn] is a device that transmits sound over a distance using electrical signals. It can refer to the system or the instrument itself. Examples include 'I'll give you a call on the telephone later.' and 'He picked up the telephone and dialed the number.' Phrases like 'hang up the telephone' and 'on the telephone' are common, as well as the idiom 'telephone tag,' which describes a situation where two people keep missing each other's phone calls.