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.
The hack began about 10 minutes into the meeting as a series of alarms, ringtones and explosions interrupted presenters from news outlets WABC and WPVI. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025 Take, for example, the constant stream of alerts, notifications, and ringtones from our devices. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024 Before long the Door Dash ringtone sang with incoming orders, which began automatically queuing up on an overhead tablet screen. John Tuohy, IndyStar, 11 July 2025 The ringtone is a new version of the Reflection ringtone which has been the default option since the iPhone X launched in 2017. David Phelan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 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 22 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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