Definition of "telephone" in English

noun

1. (countable, telephony) A telecommunication device (originally mechanical, and now electronic) used for two-way talking with another person (now often shortened to phone).

2. (countable, historical) The receiver of such a device.

3. (Canada, US, uncountable) The game of Chinese whispers.

4. (Canada, US, uncountable, figuratively) Chinese whispers; a situation in which an initial message has been distorted and misunderstood by being passed from person to person.

verb

1. (ambitransitive) To (attempt to) contact someone using a telephone.

2. (transitive) To convey (a message) via telephone.