landline

noun

land·​line ˈland-ˌlīn How to pronounce landline (audio)
variants or less commonly land line
1
: a line of transportation or communication on land
especially : a telephone line that transmits signals from one station to another directly along a wire without the use of radio waves
It reminds me of the tipping point several years ago when people realized they no longer needed a telephone landline and would do just fine with their cell phones. Rana Foroohar
often used before another noun
a landline phone
a landline network
2
: a telephone that connects by wire : a landline telephone
Of course, if you're really worried, you could ditch your cell phone for a quaint landline.Kiera Butler

Examples of landline 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.
My employer knows my landline number and can call if needed. Chris Moody, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025 The number for a landline listed in a publicly available telephone directory was disconnected. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 Three minutes after the declaration of martial law, Mr. Noh’s military intelligence agents moved in to secure its computer server room, cut off landlines and confiscate the mobile phones of those on duty. Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2025 Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (123) and cellphones (648) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (223). Victoria Balara, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for landline

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landline was in 1865

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Landline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/landline. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

landline

noun
land·​line -ˌ(d)līn How to pronounce landline (audio)
: a line of communication (as by telephone) consisting of a cable laid on land
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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