phone

Definition

A device for transmitting conversations and other sounds in real time across distances, now often a small portable unit also capable of running software etc.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kʷelh₁-der. Ancient Greek τῆλε (têle)lbor. French télé- Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂-der. Ancient Greek φωνή (phōnḗ)der. French -phone French téléphonebor. English telephone English phone Clipping of telephone; first attested in 1884.

Example Sentences

• "Daragh's on the phone at the moment. He'll call you when he's finished."
• "My phone ran out of battery."
• "There's an old-fashioned phone in the doctor's waiting room - it doesn't work anymore, of course."