Telephone

A telecommunications device that permits two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be speaking directly. Telephones transmit and receive audio signals, usually voice, over a network, typically a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a mobile cellular network. The system has evolved significantly from analog technology (using electrical signals transmitted over copper wires) to digital transmission (including fiber-optic cables and wireless radio frequencies) with voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Telephones have various form factors including landlines, cordless handsets, smartphones, and satellite phones, each with its own range of features and associated costs. They now have the ability to send and receive data via different internet apps, and can make video calls.

Telephone meaning with examples

• Sarah used the telephone to call her mother and inform her about her new job. The landline in the kitchen has been a staple in their household for decades and always provided a reliable means of communication. She carefully dialed the familiar numbers, excited to share the good news with her mom through the dependable communication device that has spanned generations.
• The detective requested the hotel clerk use the telephone to dial the number listed for the suspect’s room. He needed to confirm his location prior to entering. The urgency of the case required immediate communication, using the wired connection to maintain a high level of fidelity and ensure every transmission went through as expected.
• Before mobile devices, the public telephone in the town square was a lifeline to reach friends, family and potential customers for emergencies. The payphone, a metallic sentinel, allowed people to connect regardless of personal economic situations. Coin-operated marvels were a testament to a time when accessibility was essential for all.
• During the crisis, the emergency services set up a dedicated telephone line to take the barrage of calls coming in, to assist the general public who might have needed them. Each incoming call was crucial, requiring rapid assessments and the immediate coordination of emergency responses to the callers.