pay phone — a public telephone that is operated by inserting coins or a card
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a public telephone that is operated by inserting coins or a card
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpeɪ foʊn/
Example Sentences
- Superman used to change clothes in pay phone booths, but now he's probably confused since they're almost extinct.
- My phone died, so I had to search for a pay phone like I was hunting for a dinosaur.
- The pay phone at the train station only accepts exact change.
pay phone
NOUN[/ˈpeɪ foʊn/]
a public telephone that is operated by inserting coins or a card
a public telephone that is operated by inserting coins or a card
At the pay phone, using my say phone to explain this old way phone!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term emerged in the early 20th century as telephone services became widespread, referring to a public telephone that required users to pay for each call. It combines the verb 'pay' with the noun 'phone', creating a descriptive compound word for coin-operated or card-operated public telephones.
Breakdown
pay (to give money) + phone (telephone device). The compound describes a telephone apparatus requiring payment for use.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Superman used to change clothes in pay phone booths, but now he's probably confused since they're almost extinct.”
“My phone died, so I had to search for a pay phone like I was hunting for a dinosaur.”
“The pay phone at the train station only accepts exact change.”
“In emergency situations, pay phones can still be lifesavers in areas with poor cell coverage.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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