phone

Definitions (2)

1nounA device used for voice communication over long distances, typically using a network of wires or radio signals.

She picked up the phone to call her friend.

I left my phone at home and felt disconnected all day.

The phone rang loudly, interrupting the meeting.

2verbTo contact someone by telephone.

I will phone you later to discuss the details.

She phoned her parents to let them know she arrived safely.

He phoned the restaurant to make a reservation.

Word Origin

Language

Greek

Word parts

tēle (far) + phōnē (voice, sound)

Originally meant

sound from far away

Background

The word 'phone' is short for 'telephone', which was coined in the 19th century to describe devices that could transmit sound over long distances. The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 popularized the term.