noun

handset

HAN-seht

Handset (noun) means the part of a telephone that you hold to talk and listen. Example: “She picked up the handset and dialed the number.”

noun

The part of a telephone that you hold to talk and listen.

"She picked up the handset and dialed the number."

A mobile phone.

"The new handset comes with a bigger battery than last year's model."

How to use handset

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA telephone receiver, or a mobile phone, that you hold in your hand.

Common pairings

mobile handset cordless handset

Word forms

handset past tense, handsets plural, handsets singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She picked up the _____ and dialed the number.

Etymology

From "hand" + "set."

Frequently asked questions

What does “handset” mean?

The word “handset” means the part of a telephone that you hold to talk and listen. In plain terms, a telephone receiver, or a mobile phone, that you hold in your hand.

How do you pronounce “handset”?

“Handset” is pronounced HAN-seht (/ˈhæn(d)sɛt/ in IPA).

How do you use “handset” in a sentence?

Here is “handset” used in a sentence: “She picked up the handset and dialed the number.”

What part of speech is “handset”?

“Handset” is a noun.

How many meanings does “handset” have?

“Handset” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of a telephone that you hold to talk and listen.