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smartphone

smartphone

227 1.8
A small computer you carry with a touchscreen that makes calls and runs apps
  • noun
  • /ˈsmɑːrtˌfoʊn/
translation icon : teléfono inteligente
  • More recently, every smartphone is matched against the form and function of the iPhone.
  • smartphone apps
  • smartphone cameras
  • use a smartphone

Where you really see the advantage of a gaming smartphone is in the benchmarks.

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Examples

  • Handheld electronic devices are competing with newspapers in mass transit systems. Smartphones are competing with conversations at dinner tables.

    Academic text (2014)
  • With permission, record these songs on your smartphone and transcribe them at home.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Did someone leave a smartphone on back there?

  • I have an Apple iPhone smartphone here right in front of me.

  • You can download that for free for your smartphone or for your desktop.

  • After all, it is the best selling smartphone on all of Amazon.com.

  • Scan the QR code below with your smartphone to VOTE starting Dec. 1.

    Academic text (2011)
  • During class meetings, students either used a smartphone or a laptop to respond to quizzes and download lecture slides.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Researchers are actively pursuing ways to make smartphones part of tomorrow's wireless medical monitoring system.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Did someone leave a smartphone on back there?

Synonyms

cell
vssmartphone
  • Informal
703 2.0

A mobile phone used to call and text people

is instead a full computing device with apps web access and touch control
phone
vssmartphone
190 1.0

A pair of small speakers you wear on or in your ears to listen to sound

serves as a handheld computer with internet apps and touchscreen control
cellphone
vssmartphone
  • US
175 1.0

A small phone you carry to call people, send messages, and use apps

focuses on computing power and app use beyond simple calling
mobile phone
vssmartphone
58 1.0

A small telephone you carry to call, text, and go online

offers advanced computing internet access and apps with a touchscreen
cellular phone
vssmartphone
  • US
35 2.3

A portable phone people carry to call or send messages

adds internet connectivity apps and touchscreen interaction to basic calling
cellular telephone
vssmartphone
  • US
7 3.0

A small phone you carry to make calls and send messages from many places

includes computing features internet access and support for third party apps

Compounds

smartphone zombie
  • Offensive
6.6

A person who looks at their phone and ignores their surroundings while walking

How Advanced

smartphone
227 1.8
mobile phone
58 1.0

Surface Forms

smartphone singular
smartphones plural

Morphology

smartphone = smart + phone (transparent) = smart + phone

The meaning is directly derived from 'smart' + 'phone': a phone with intelligent/advanced features.

Etymology

The word smartphone joins two simple words: smart ('clever') and phone, short for telephone ('voice' or 'sound'). So a smartphone is a 'clever phone' that works like a small computer with apps and internet.