ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cellular

adj. · n.
US //ˈsɛɫjəɫɝ// UK //sˈɛljʊlɐ// cel·lu·lar
  1. 1 biological (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    relating to the tiny cells that make up all living things.

    pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling the microscopic structural and functional units of living organisms.

    Example

    Scientists are studying the cellular structure of the new plant species.

    Example

    The researchers observed significant cellular degradation when the tissue samples were exposed to the experimental compound for more than forty-eight hours.

    Usage

    Usually precedes the noun it modifies.
  2. 2 mobile technology (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Computing

    relating to a phone system that uses radio towers to cover different areas.

    relating to a mobile communications system divided into small geographic areas, each served by a low-power transmitter.

    Example

    The mountain cabin has a very weak cellular signal.

    Example

    The expansion of the cellular network into rural provinces has significantly boosted the local economy by providing reliable internet access to small businesses.

    Usage

    Commonly used in North America where 'mobile' is used in British English.
  3. 3 woven fabric (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a type of cloth with many small holes that helps keep you warm or cool.

    denoting a fabric, typically cotton, woven with a pattern of small open spaces to provide insulation and breathability.

    Example

    The baby was wrapped in a soft cellular blanket.

    Example

    The athlete preferred cellular base layers because the ventilated weave allowed for superior moisture-wicking during high-intensity training sessions.
  4. 4 a mobile phone (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Informal

    a short way of saying 'cellular phone'.

    a mobile radiotelephone; used as a clipped form of cellular phone.

    Example

    He reached for his cellular to call for help after the car broke down.

    Example

    While the term 'cellular' was a common noun for the device in the nineties, most contemporary speakers have shortened it further to simply 'cell'.
Origin

From New Latin cellulāris, from cellula (“cell”) + -āris.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Last updated June 20, 2026