Telephone | Mean of telephone in English Dictionary

/ˈtɛləˌfoʊn/

• Noun
• a system that uses wires and radio signals to send sounds (such as people's voices) over long distances
1. We spoke by telephone.
2. a telephone line/company/operator
3. I just have to make a quick telephone call before we leave.
4. You can order the cake over the telephone.
5. (Brit) He screamed at me down the telephone. [=through the telephone]
• a device that is connected to a telephone system and that you use to listen or speak to someone who is somewhere else
1. The telephone has been ringing all morning!
2. She picked up the telephone and dialed the number.
3. He slammed/put down the telephone.
4. They hired someone to answer the telephones.
5. All our telephones are cordless.
6. I left the telephone off the hook.
7. a public telephone
8. a cellular telephone [=cell phone]
• using a telephone to talk to someone
1. She is always (talking) on the telephone. [=on the phone]
2. He came to the door while I was on the telephone.

• connected to a telephone system
1. the percentage of households on the telephone [=on the phone]
• Verb
• to speak or try to speak to (someone) using a telephone
1. He telephoned me to say that he was going to be late.
2. I'll telephone the police.
3. He telephoned to say that he was going to be late.
4. You never write or telephone.