Search results for 'telephone':

telephone noun 1 an instrument with a mouthpiece and an earpiece mounted on a handset, for transmitting human speech in the form of electrical signals or radio waves, enabling people to communicate with each other over a distance. 2 the system of communication that uses such an instrument. verb (telephoned, telephoning) 1 to seek or establish contact and speak to someone by telephone. 2 to send (a message, etc) by telephone. 3 intrans to make a telephone call. Often shortened to phone. telephonic adj. on the telephone 1 connected to the telephone system. 2 talking to someone by means of the telephone.
ETYMOLOGY: 19c.