telephone

I UK [ˈtelɪˌfəʊn] / US [ˈteləˌfoʊn] noun
Word forms "telephone":
singular telephone plural telephones
***

[countable] a piece of electronic equipment that you use for speaking to someone in a different place. A telephone is often simply called a phone

They've got a telephone next to their bed.

a mobile telephone

a telephone rings:

The telephone's been ringing all morning.

pick up/answer the telephone:

Pascoe picked up the telephone and said "Hello".

use the telephone:

May I use your telephone?

a) [uncountable] the system of communicating using telephones

The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

over the telephone:

People are interviewed over the telephone.

by telephone:

I placed my order by telephone two weeks ago.

Computers send information by telephone using a modem.

b) [only before noun] relating to or involving the telephone

a telephone line/dial/switchboard

telephone communications/conversations/bookings

•

- on the telephone

II UK [ˈtelɪˌfəʊn] / US [ˈteləˌfoʊn] verb [intransitive/transitive]
Word forms "telephone":
present tense I/you/we/they telephone he/she/it telephones present participle telephoning past tense telephoned past participle telephoned formal **

to speak to someone using the telephone

I'll telephone my lawyer to arrange an appointment.

telephone (someone) for something:

Telephone for details of your nearest stockist.

telephone someone on a number:

Telephone our customer helpline on 0800 397791.