telephone

tel|e|phone1 [ `telə,foun ] noun ***

1. ) count 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 ) uncount 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

2. ) uncount AMERICAN a game in which something is repeated quietly from one person to another, in order to see how it has changed when the last person hears it

on the telephone

1. ) using the telephone to talk to someone:

He's been on the telephone for the past two hours.

You're wanted on the telephone (=someone wants to speak to you).

2. ) provided with a telephone in your home, office etc.:

I can't believe you're not on the telephone.

telephone

tel|e|phone 2 [ `telə,foun ] verb intransitive or transitive **

to speak to someone using the telephone: PHONE:

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.