on the phone

idiom

1
: using a telephone to talk to someone
Can you see who's at the door? I'm on the phone.
I was on the phone with my sister until late last night.
2
British : connected to a telephone system
How many households aren't on the phone?

Examples of on the phone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One said a young male on the tracks appeared agitated as an older male approached and followed him while speaking on the phone. Jo Ciavaglia, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 That resulted in another 15 minutes on the phone with the right person who admitted her attempt at a refund may or may not work. Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 And Angelica on the phone with God knows who — probably, like, Jack Nicholson or somebody. Dave Quinn, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Image All three leaders — Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Orban and Mr. Trump — talked on the phone about the court during the Israeli leader’s visit to Hungary. Katrin Bennhold, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for on the phone

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Cite this Entry

“On the phone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20phone. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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