Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

on-the-phone

phrase
/ˈɒn ðə fən/
Definition
Engaged in a conversation via a telephone.
Examples
  • She was on-the-phone for an hour with her friend.
  • He prefers to handle customer service issues when he is on-the-phone.
  • Don’t disturb me; I’m currently on-the-phone with a client.
Meaning
The phrase ‘on-the-phone’ refers to being connected to someone through a telephone, whether it is a mobile device or a landline. It indicates that communication is taking place via voice rather than in person or through text messages.
Synonyms
  • telephoning
  • talking on the phone
  • conversing by phone