Synonyms for

Telephone

Verb / ˈtelʌˌfəʊn / Another word for telephone — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A system for transmitting voices over a distance using wire or radio, by converting acoustic vibrations to electrical signals.

Synonyms & similar words

ring callup telephoneset call phone telephony phone landline mobile cellphone smartphone receiver extension dial call ring buzz communicate speak chat talk converse discuss dialogue correspond message

Synonyms by register

Formal

telecommunication device communication apparatus

Informal

phone cell mobile

Literary

speaking tube voice transmitter

Common collocations

  • telephone booth
  • telephone directory
  • telephone number
  • telephone call
  • telephone line
  • telephone receiver
  • telephone exchange

Word family

noun telephone
verb telephone

Usage note

While 'telephone' can refer to the device or the act of calling, 'phone' is much more common in everyday speech. The verb form is less frequently used than the noun.

Example sentences

  1. I need to call my mom on the telephone.
  2. The telephone rang loudly and woke me up.
  3. I always keep my telephone nearby in case of an emergency.
  4. I prefer texting to talking on the telephone.
  5. The telephone is a very useful invention.

Quotes

  • "The telephone is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink." - Fran Lebowitz
  • "The telephone is virtual reality in that you can meet with someone as if you are together, at least in the auditory sense." - Ray Kurzweil
  • "The telephone book is full of facts, but it doesn't contain a single idea." - Mortimer Adler

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