A1noun1K

Telephone

UK /["/ˈtelɪfəʊn/"]/US /["/ˈtelɪfəʊn/"]/

Definition

a system for talking to somebody else over long distances, using wires or radio; a machine used for this

In simple words: A device used to talk to people who are far away.

Examples

  • I called my friend on the telephone to talk about the weekend.
  • The old telephone was still working, even though it was very dusty.
  • You can reach me on my mobile telephone if you need to.
  • He prefers to use a telephone instead of sending text messages.
  • In the past, people used a telephone to stay connected across distances.
  • Someone is calling, can you answer the telephone?
  • She placed the telephone back on the receiver after the call.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Can be used informally among friends and formally in business contexts. Avoid using 'phone' in very formal documents.

Grammar pattern

telephone + object (e.g., telephone someone)

Memory hint

Think of 'tell-a-phone' as a phone that tells you things.

Collocations

  • public
  • office
  • cellular
  • use
  • be on
  • have
  • ring
  • number
  • book
  • directory
  • by telephone
  • on the telephone
  • over the telephone
  • public
  • office
  • cellular
  • use
  • be on
  • have
  • ring
  • number
  • book
  • directory
  • by telephone
  • on the telephone
  • over the telephone

Synonyms

  • phone
  • cell phone
  • smartphone
  • mobile
  • landline

Antonyms

  • telegraph
  • letter

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'telephony', which refers to the technology behind telephones.
  • Using 'telephon' as a spelling variant, which is incorrect.
  • Saying 'call to telephone' instead of 'telephone someone'.