cell phone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is standardly written as two words: 'cell phone'. The hyphenated form 'cell-phone' is less common, and the single word 'cellphone' is increasingly seen but not yet the dominant form in edited prose.

All smartphones are cell phones, but not all cell phones are smartphones. A 'cell phone' refers broadly to any mobile cellular telephone. A 'smartphone' is a specific type of cell phone with advanced computing capabilities, a touchscreen interface, and the ability to run downloaded applications.

The terms highlight different aspects of the technology. 'Cellular phone' (shortened to 'cell phone') emphasizes the network technology dividing coverage into 'cells'. 'Mobile phone' (shortened to 'mobile') emphasizes the portability of the device. Both terms emerged in the 1980s, with each becoming dominant in their respective dialects.

Informally, especially in American English, it can be used as a verb (e.g., 'Cell phone me later'), but this is considered very casual and is not standard in formal writing. The more standard phrasing is 'call me on my cell phone'.

A portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a radio frequency link while the user is moving within a telephone service area.

Cell phone is usually neutral to informal in register.

Cell phone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsel fəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsel foʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.