WordGarden.iophone
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈəʊn/
US
- /ˈfoʊn/
Meanings
Noun
a telephone, especially a mobile or smartphone
a distinct speech sound in phonetics
Verb
to call someone by telephone
Beyond the definition
Once upon a time, if you wanted to speak to someone far away, you needed a phone with wires that carried your voice to someone else. Now the word is used in a much wider way. It can still mean a traditional landline, but more often it means a mobile phone or smartphone, a small device that lets you call, text, use the internet, and do many other things.
Think of it like this: older ones were mainly for talking, but modern ones help you stay connected in many ways. You might phone your grandmother for a chat, but you may also use your phone to take photos, find your way in a new city, or order dinner. The verb "to phone" simply means to call someone.
The word "phone" originally referred to an instrument used to transmit speech electrically—the telephone, invented by Alexander Graham Bell. This early phone required a physical connection via wires and was often fixed in one location. Think of those rotary dial phones your grandparents might have had!
However, over time, technology evolved, and "phone" expanded its meaning. Today, it most commonly refers to a mobile phone, also known as a smartphone or cell phone. These devices are portable, wireless, and pack an incredible amount of functionality into a small package. They aren't just for making calls anymore!
You can use a phone to send text messages, take pictures and videos, access the internet, play games, listen to music, navigate with GPS, manage your finances, and connect with people through social media—the possibilities are almost endless.
The verb "to phone" still exists and specifically means to call someone on the telephone. For example: "I will phone you later this evening." But even that is becoming less common as many people prefer to text or video chat instead.
So, whether it's a classic landline, a sleek smartphone, or the act of making a voice call, "phone" represents our ability to connect with others and access information in an increasingly mobile and interconnected world.
Examples
- 1
Everyday device
I left my phone on the kitchen table.
- 2
Battery
My phone is almost out of battery.
- 3
Polite request
Can I use your phone for a minute?
- 4
Answering calls
She answered the phone on the third ring.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meeting etiquette
Please put your phone on silent during the meeting.
- Phraseon silent
set so it does not make a sound
- 6
Contact information
What's your phone number?
- 7
Communication method
We spoke by phone for about twenty minutes.
- Phraseby phone
using a phone, not in person or by email
- 8
Payment call
You can pay the bill over the phone.
- Phraseover the phone
during a phone call
- 9
Calling someone
I'll phone you when I get home.
- Patternphone + person
call that person
- 10
Work absence
He phoned in sick this morning.
- Phrasephone in sick
call work to say you cannot come because you are ill
- 11
Low effort
The speech sounded like he was just phoning it in.
- Phrasephone it in
do something with little effort
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- answer the phone
- make a phone call
- on the phone
- phone number
Word family
Explore
- telecommunication
- text message
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- phonenounverb
Forms
- phonespluralnounverb
- phonedpast tenseverbnoun
- phoning-ing formverbnoun