phone
- Top 1000
Sense 1
- noun
- A1
A device that lets you speak to someone far away, and that is often also used for messages and the internet.
My phone rang in the cinema and everyone turned around.
He forgot his phone at work and felt lost all evening.
Can I borrow your phone to check the train times?
The screen of my old phone is cracked in two places.
Common collocations: mobile phone · answer the phone · on the phone · phone number · phone call · charge your phone
Part of: Phone and internet, Talking to people, Science and technology
Sense 2 · less common
- verb
- A1
To speak to someone using a phone, or to try to reach them this way.
I'll phone you as soon as I get home.
She phoned the hairdresser to book a haircut for Friday.
Phone me later tonight if you still need a lift.
Common collocations: phone someone back · phone the office · phone for help · phone ahead
Part of: Phone and internet, Speaking, Talking to people