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.
One theory is that smartphones have made the problem worse by removing many everyday opportunities to practice not knowing. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 The early demand is at least one bright spot for the smartphone industry, which has been hit hard by the memory shortage. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 Foldables are expected to make up just over 2% of global smartphone units this year but nearly 7% of industry revenue, according to IDC. — Mackenzie Sigalos,kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Pebble Index 01 is a lightweight ring with a button users can press to record on-the-go thoughts that are added to Notes on their smartphones. — Time Staff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for smartphone

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Browse Nearby Words

smart off
smartphone
smart set
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smartphone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smartphone. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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)
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