smartphone

noun

smart·​phone ˈsmärt-ˌfōn How to pronounce smartphone (audio)
variants or less commonly smart phone
plural smartphones also smart phones
: a cell phone that includes additional software functions (such as email or an Internet browser)

Examples of smartphone 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.
They were born and raised in the internet era and have been engaging with computers, tablets, smartphones, and other connected devices from an early age. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025 Rare earths are key to producing computer chips, which are needed for many things like smartphones and AI systems. Selina Wang, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 As reported by The Atlantic, chronic smartphone use has been linked to diminished cognitive capacity, social isolation and poor mentalhealth. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025 For instance, Baby Boomers, raised in a time without smartphones and constant connectivity, often have a higher comfort level with face-to-face communication, including having difficult conversations with peers or colleagues. Bill Connolly, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smartphone

Word History

First Known Use

1996, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smartphone was in 1996

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smartphone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smartphone. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

smartphone

noun
smart·​phone ˈsmärt-ˌfōn How to pronounce smartphone (audio)
: a cell phone that includes additional functions (as email or an Internet browser)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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