26984 words

phones

11 definitions • 23 examples
1
a device that uses either a system of wires along which electrical signals are sent or a system of radio signals to make it possible for you to speak to someone in another place who has a similar device:

Examples:

Just then, his phone rang.
Could you answer the phone?
We speak on the/by phone about twice a week.
You had three phone calls this morning.
If the phone lines are busy, please try again later.
Could you pick the phone up for me - my hands are wet.
I left the phone off the hook, so it wouldn't ring.
I was so angry I just put/slammed the phone down (on her) (= replaced it before our conversation was finished).
2
speaking on the phone:

Examples:

She's on the phone at the moment but she can see you in a few minutes.
3
with a phone connected to your home by wires:

Examples:

Are the Middletons on the phone at their cottage, do you know?
4
to be using your mobile phone to send messages, play games, look at the internet, etc.:

Examples:

These kids are on their phones all day long.
5
a unit of sound at the phonetic level, used when studying speech
6
to communicate with someone by phone:

Examples:

She phoned just after lunch.
He's phoned me (up) every day this week.
7

Examples:

a francophone (= a French speaker)
the anglophone world (= people in the world who speak English)
8
used to form the names of musical instruments:

Examples:

a chordophone (= an instrument in which sound is produced by the vibration of a string)
a sousaphone (= a brass instrument named after J. P. Sousa)
9
short form oftelephone:

Examples:

The phone is ringing – would you answer it?
10
a piece of electronic equipment which makes it possible for you to speak to someone in another place who has similar equipment, using either electrical signals sent along a system of wires, or radio signals:

Examples:

over the phone You can arrange a mortgage online, over the phone, or through a meeting.
by phone The company can be reached by phone on this number.
on the phone She has spent hours on the phone in recent weeks, talking to negotiators in a labour dispute.
11
to communicate with someone by phone:

Examples:

Someone phoned while you were at lunch.
Phone him and ask if he's free this afternoon.

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