# landline

/ˈɫændˌɫaɪn/ (US) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/landline
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a phone that is connected to a house or office by a physical wire. You use this instead of a mobile phone or a satellite connection.

For teachers: a conventional telecommunications connection that uses a physical wire or optical fiber for transmission. Often contrasted with mobile or satellite telephony.

## Examples

- I still use a landline because the mobile signal is weak here.
- The office maintains a landline to ensure that emergency calls can be made even during a power outage.
- While younger generations have largely abandoned the landline in favor of mobile devices, many businesses retain fixed-line connections for their perceived reliability and superior audio quality.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in noun phrases like 'landline phone' or 'landline number'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.