ringtone

noun

ring·​tone ˈriŋ-ˌtōn How to pronounce ringtone (audio)
: the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call

Examples of ringtone 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.
Before long the Door Dash ringtone sang with incoming orders, which began automatically queuing up on an overhead tablet screen. John Tuohy, IndyStar, 11 July 2025 The ringtone is a new version of the Reflection ringtone which has been the default option since the iPhone X launched in 2017. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 Despite its title, however, SWAG is free of any sounds even vaguely reminiscent of the ringtone era. Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025 The Timbs and the Myspace profiles and the ringtones and the Canal St. tapes blurred together in a perfect little bit of alchemy. Pitchfork, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ringtone

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringtone was in 1983

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Cite this Entry

“Ringtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringtone. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ringtone

noun
ring·​tone ˈriŋ-ˌtōn How to pronounce ringtone (audio)
: the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call

More from Merriam-Webster on ringtone

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