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
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But somebody last night had a Biggie song as a ringtone that just went on. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 May 2026 Sampson says the caller ID showed her name and photo, and the familiar ringtone sounded. Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026 Für Elise has even become a ringtone. Brian Duignan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 Features included with the subscription include the ability to send premium stickers, set new app themes, add a custom app icon, pin up to 20 chats instead of the usual three, set premium ringtones, and options to upgrade your chat lists. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ringtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringtone. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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

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