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
In one scene, Bechdel informs her mother on the phone that she’s signed a contract for a book of cartoons.
—
Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
The families talked online and on the phone, but never met face-to-face until Wilson invited them to attend her wedding in Hiawassee, Ga. — a surprise for her friends, family and even the groom, Gavin Wilson, 23.
—Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 4 June 2025
The 73-year-old victim was on the phone with the scammer, who was walking her through the step-by-step process to deposit the cash.
—Hailey Clevenger, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Jocelyn had been at a convenience store and was talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone after sneaking out of her family's apartment.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the phone
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Charlie Tyson, New Yorker, 4 June 2025
The families talked online and on the phone, but never met face-to-face until Wilson invited them to attend her wedding in Hiawassee, Ga. — a surprise for her friends, family and even the groom, Gavin Wilson, 23.
—Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 4 June 2025
The 73-year-old victim was on the phone with the scammer, who was walking her through the step-by-step process to deposit the cash.
—Hailey Clevenger, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Jocelyn had been at a convenience store and was talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone after sneaking out of her family's apartment.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the phone
Cite this Entry
“On the phone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20phone. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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