cellphone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very HighInformal, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “cellphone” mean?
A portable electronic device used for wireless telecommunications (mainly voice calls and messaging) over a cellular radio network.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable electronic device used for wireless telecommunications (mainly voice calls and messaging) over a cellular radio network.
A multifunction handheld device combining mobile telephony with computing features such as internet access, photography, GPS navigation, and numerous applications. Also serves as a primary means of personal connectivity and digital identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary term in American English is 'cellphone' or 'cell phone' (two words). In British English, the primary term is 'mobile phone' or simply 'mobile'.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cellphone' is understood but marks the speaker as using American terminology. In the US, 'mobile phone' sounds slightly formal or British.
Frequency
'Cellphone' is dominant in North America. 'Mobile phone' is dominant in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Grammar
How to Use “cellphone” in a Sentence
check + cellphoneanswer + cellphoneuse + a cellphonecharge + cellphonebe on + cellphoneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cellphone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll mobile you the details.
- She mobiled me when she landed.
American English
- I'll cell you the address.
- He celled me from the road.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; periphrases used: 'via mobile')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form; periphrases used: 'by cell')
adjective
British English
- Mobile phone culture
- Mobile phone etiquette
American English
- Cellphone provider
- Cellphone industry
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In business contexts, often referred to as a 'mobile device' or 'company phone'. Used for 'on-call' duties and remote communication.
Academic
In academic writing, more formal terms like 'mobile device' or 'smartphone' are preferred. Research often focuses on 'cellphone use', 'addiction', or 'radiation'.
Everyday
The dominant term for the personal communication device in North American casual speech. Used in phrases like 'Where's my cellphone?' or 'Call my cellphone.'
Technical
In engineering and telecom contexts, terms like 'cellular handset', 'UE (User Equipment)', or 'MS (Mobile Station)' are used. 'Cellphone' is considered a layman's term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cellphone”
- Spelling inconsistency: 'cellphone' vs 'cell phone'. Both accepted, but 'cellphone' is becoming standard.
- Using 'cellphone' in formal UK writing.
- Saying 'telephone cell' (incorrect word order).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'cellphone' is any phone that operates on a cellular network. A 'smartphone' is a type of cellphone with advanced computing capability, a touchscreen interface, and a robust operating system that runs apps (e.g., iPhone, Android phone). All smartphones are cellphones, but not all cellphones are smartphones.
Both 'cellphone' (closed) and 'cell phone' (open) are widely accepted. Dictionaries often list both, with 'cell phone' slightly more traditional. The trend is towards closed compounds, making 'cellphone' increasingly standard.
Yes, you will be perfectly understood in the UK as 'cellphone' is a common Americanism widely recognized through media. However, for naturalness in the UK, 'mobile' or 'mobile phone' is recommended.
The standard plural is 'cellphones'. Avoid 'cellphone's' (apostrophe error) or 'cells phone' (incorrect compound pluralization).
A portable electronic device used for wireless telecommunications (mainly voice calls and messaging) over a cellular radio network.
Cellphone is usually informal, everyday in register.
Cellphone: 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.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cellphone face”
- “Glued to one's cellphone”
- “Cellphone zombie”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a prison CELL: a cellphone connects you to a network made of small geographical areas called 'cells'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CELLPHONE IS A LIFELINE / A WINDOW TO THE WORLD / A DIGITAL EXTENSION OF THE SELF.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used in British English?