A1noun1K

Phone

UK /["/fəʊn/"]/US /["/fəʊn/"]/

Definition

a piece of equipment for talking to people who are not in the same place as you

In simple words: A device used for talking to people over long distances.

Examples

She answered the phone as soon as it rang.
I need to charge my phone before we go out.
He called me on the phone to discuss the details.
You should keep your phone away during class.
My phone has a great camera for taking pictures.
Please let me know when you get a new phone.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversations. Avoid using it in very formal writing; use 'telephone' instead. Often used in contexts related to communication.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'phone' as a 'tone' that connects you to someone far away.

Collocations

cell
cellular
mobile
be on
use
call (somebody on)
go
go off
ring
number
book
directory
by phone
on the phone
over the phone
cell
cellular
mobile
be on
use
call (somebody on)
go
go off
ring
number
book
directory
by phone
on the phone
over the phone

Synonyms

telephone
cell phone
mobile
smartphone
handset

Antonyms

disconnect
silence

Common mistakes

Confused with 'smartphone' — 'phone' can refer to any type of phone.
Using 'phones' when referring to one device — 'phone' is already singular.