ringtone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is almost universally written as one word ('ringtone') in modern English, though 'ring tone' (two words) is occasionally seen and is understandable.

Technically, a ringtone is specifically for phone calls. The sound for a text message is usually called a 'notification tone' or 'alert tone', though informally people often use 'ringtone' for all customizable phone sounds.

A ringtone is what you hear on your own phone when someone calls you. A ringback tone (or calling tone) is what the caller hears while waiting for you to answer (e.g., music instead of a standard ringing sound).

While less of a novelty than in the 2000s, they remain a standard, highly customizable feature of all smartphones. Their use has shifted from a major form of personalisation to a more practical alert system, often left on default or simple tones.

The sound a phone makes to signal an incoming call or message.

Ringtone is usually informal/neutral in register.

Ringtone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋtəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋtoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.