As a Noun: 1. An electrical system that you use to communicate with someone, usually by talking but also by typing on a TTY. You dial a number which connects you to another person and then you speak or type. English = telephone. 2. The removable piece of equipment, which is part of a telephone, into which you speak or which you place on a TTY before typing. English = handset. 3. A communication you have or try to have with someone by telephone. English = telephone call, call. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To dial someone's telephone number and communicate with them by telephone. English = telephone, phone, make a telephone call, make a call.