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
1
The part of a telephone that you hold to talk and listen.
"She picked up the handset and dialed the number."
2
A mobile phone.
"Similarly, the handset can see more than one base station. Because the positions (longitude and latitude) of the base stations/Node Bs are known, then either a Node B or handset can work out the handset’s position."
— Geoff Varrall, Roger Belcher (2003)
"The new handset comes with a bigger battery than last year's model."
How to use handset
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA telephone receiver, or a mobile phone, that you hold in your hand.
Common pairings
mobile handset
cordless handset
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Word forms
- Plural
- handsets
- Third person singular
- handsets
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.
