Here are some expressions commonly used in discussing telephoning matters.
answering machine (UK also answerphone) - an electronic device that answers the telephone and records messages call back - return or repeat a telephone call cordless telephone - a telephone which is not having a cord dial - a movable disc on a telephone, with finger-holes and numbers for making a connection dialling code, (US area code) - a series of numbers used before the main telephone number when you telephone someone outside your own town or area dialling tone, (US dial tone) - a continuous sound which tells you that a telephone is connected to the telephone system and is ready to be used direct line, extension - any of a number of telephones connected to a switchboard in a large building such as an office engaged - unavailable for use by anyone else, busy headset - headphones combined with a microphone, they are used in call centers and by people in telephone-intensive jobs hold the line - hold the phone line open home phone number - the telephone number at the house or apartment where you live hot line - a direct line of communication local call - a telephone call made within a local calling area long-distance call - a telephone call made outside the local calling area mobile phone - a hand-held mobile radiotelephone for use in an area divided into small sections (cells), each with its own short-range transmitter/receiver operator - an agent that operates a telephone pay phone - a coin-operated telephone phone call - a telephone connection phone card - a card that is used instead of cash to make telephone calls phone number - the number which is used when calling a particular telephone put through - connect by telephone speakerphone - a telephone which you can use without having to hold any part of it in your hand switchboard - telephone central where circuits are completed with patch cords telephone box - booth for using a telephone telephone directory - a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers and their telephone numbers telephone receiver - a part of a telephone that contains the earpiece Yellow Pages - a telephone directory or section of a directory (usually printed on yellow paper) where business products and services are listed alphabetically by field along with classified advertising
Now we put new vocabulary into context, so you can see how you might use these terms yourself. The expressions are in boldface in the text.
A dial tone (known in the UK as a dialling tone is a telephony signal used to indicate that the telephone exchange is working and is ready to accept a call.
More and more often users are finding their home phone numbers listed in Google.
The dialling code is the national prefix which is used when dialing to a particular country from another country.
Pay phones are often found in public places such as airports or train stations and on street corners.
Prepaid phone cards often offer lower international long distance calls than regular long distance services from major phone companies.
answering machine (UK also answerphone) - an electronic device that answers the telephone and records messages