landline

noun

land·​line ˈland-ˌlīn 

variants or less commonly land line

1

: a line of transportation or communication on land

especially : a telephone line that transmits signals from one station to another directly along a wire without the use of radio waves

It reminds me of the tipping point several years ago when people realized they no longer needed a telephone landline and would do just fine with their cell phones.

—Rana Foroohar

—often used before another noun

a landline phone

a landline network

2

: a telephone that connects by wire : a landline telephone

Of course, if you're really worried, you could ditch your cell phone for a quaint landline.

—Kiera Butler

Examples of landline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the indictment focuses on a separate bill to end landline service, prosecutors say the small cell bill was part of the same overarching scheme and want to present evidence about its passage to a jury. —Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2024

Since then, smartphones have evolved into pocket computers that not only replaced our landlines or early cell phones, but also our maps, cameras, calculators, car keys, radios, MP3 players, TVs and so much more. —Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 23 May 2024

Consumer advocates point to the need for electricity for most alternatives to traditional landlines and note that when there is no electricity, consumers can still use their landlines. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024

Despite setbacks like these, Fancourt did allow Harry to add a few more claims to his suit, including allegations that the tabloids tapped his landline. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

landline

noun

land·​line -ˌ(d)līn 

: a line of communication (as by telephone) consisting of a cable laid on land