cellular phone

cellular phone — noun

1. a telephone you can carry with you that connects through a mobile network instea

1.nounB1
Definition

a telephone you can carry with you that connects through a mobile network instead of a fixed wire

Example

Leo left his cellular phone on the bus and called the station for help.

cellular phone as a device you carry with you

Baraka keeps a cellular phone in his truck for work calls.

Common collocations
  • cellular phone service
  • cellular phone signal
  • cellular phone number
  • cellular phone bill
  • switch off a cellular phone
Synonyms
  • cell phone

    the shorter everyday American form for the same device

  • mobile phone

    the more general international term, especially outside North America

  • smartphone

    a more specific kind of cellular phone with internet apps and a touch screen

Antonyms
  • landline

    a phone connected to a fixed wire in a home or office

  • desk phone

    an office or house phone designed to stay in one place

Usage Note

Most common in American English and in formal or technical wording. In everyday conversation, people usually say cell phone or mobile phone.

Common Mistakes

I left my cellular at the cafe.
I left my cellular phone at the cafe.' / 'I left my cell phone at the cafe.
cellular alone is uncommon as a noun; say the full term or use cell phone.
Call me on my cellular phone at home by the kitchen wall.
Call me on my cellular phone when I am out.' / 'Call the home phone by the kitchen wall.
a cellular phone is a mobile device, not a fixed house phone.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Cellular phone, cell phone, mobile phone, and smartphone are close in meaning, but they are not used in exactly the same way. Cellular phone is the longest and most technical-sounding form, and it appears more often in official, legal, or older wording. Cell phone is the common everyday American term. Mobile phone is the broader international label and sounds natural in British English and many other varieties. Smartphone is narrower: it names the modern kind of cellular phone that can run apps, go online, and do much more than call or text. If you are speaking casually, cell phone or mobile phone usually sounds more natural than cellular phone.

cell phone ↗mobile phone ↗smartphone ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • cellular phone service
  • cellular phone signal
  • on a cellular phone