smartphone

American

[smahrt-fohn] / ˈsmɑrtˌfoʊn /

Or smart phone

noun

a device that combines a cell phone with a handheld computer, typically offering internet access, data storage, email capability, etc.

smartphone British

/ ˈsmɑːtˌfəʊn /

noun

computing a mobile telephone with computer features that may enable it to interact with computerized systems, send e-mails, and access the web

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of smartphone

First recorded in 1995–2000

Compare meaning

How does smartphone compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

cell phone vs. smartphone

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She tested a new smartphone feature called Privacy Display, which obscures mobile screens from people nearby—and says this new tech could keep us safer.

From The Wall Street Journal

On the political side, around 60 government ministers from around the world are expected on the floors, where more than 2,900 companies' stands will be showing off the latest smartphones and connected services.

From Barron's

The U.S. government is focused on increasing production of rare earth minerals, which are used in electric vehicles and smartphones, in an effort to remain competitive with China’s production of the products.

From The Wall Street Journal

When you sit down, all your people can hit that QR code with their smartphones and load an automated game of “Mafia.”

From Los Angeles Times

As the triumphant U.S. men’s hockey team made a cameo, Hernandez was looking at his smartphone.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023