Words / A1

TEL-if-ohn/ˈtelɪfəʊn/

A telephone is a device for calling someone. Phone is the usual short word; telephone is more formal or for the old machine on a table. On the telephone; answer the telephone; a telephone number. Mobile (British) is the phone you carry. Call is the verb.

Meaning

A device for calling someone; more formal than phone.

Examples

• “The telephone is in the hall.”
• “Who is on the telephone?”
• “The telephone rang in the night.”

Good to know

on / answer the telephone. Short form: phone. British mobile = phone you carry.

Near in meaning

phone

New