ringtone

noun

ring·​tone ˈriŋ-ˌtōn How to pronounce ringtone (audio)
: the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call

Examples of ringtone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But somebody last night had a Biggie song as a ringtone that just went on. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 May 2026 Making your own ringtones was genuinely a flex. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Mar. 2026 The incoming call emits a blaring ringtone that alerts a three-man crew at a moment’s notice. — Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 Sampson says the caller ID showed her name and photo, and the familiar ringtone sounded. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ringtone

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringtone was in 1983

Rhymes for ringtone

See All Rhymes for ringtone

Browse Nearby Words

ring thrush
ringtone
ring toss
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ringtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringtone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ringtone

noun
ring·​tone ˈriŋ-ˌtōn How to pronounce ringtone (audio)
: the sound made by a cell phone to signal an incoming call

More from Merriam-Webster on ringtone

Nglish: Translation of ringtone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ringtone

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