telephone🔊

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

(historical) The receiver of such a device.

(Canada, US) The game of Chinese whispers.

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

To (attempt to) contact someone using a telephone.

To convey (a message) via telephone.