Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

handset

/ˈhæn(d)sɛt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.07 in modern English

Syllables: hand-set
IPA: /ˈhæn(d)sɛt/

11

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

2

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The part of a landline telephone containing both receiver and transmitter (and sometimes dial), held in the hand.

noun

A mobile phone.

noun

A hand-held device for remote control of a piece of equipment.

verb

To typeset by hand.

Example Sentences

"Helen hears the click of the handset at the other end of the line."
"Similarly, the handset can see more than one base station. Because the positions (longitude and latitude) of the base stations/Node Bs are known, then either a Node B or handset can work out the handset’s position."
"The locomotives can be driven from two positions in the cab or remotely from a radio control handset."
"handsetting type"

Etymology

From hand + set.

Inflected Forms

handsets (plural) handsets (present, singular) handsetting (participle, present)

Frequently Paired Words

headset

Synonyms

french telephone

Questions

How do you pronounce handset?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈhæn(d)sɛt/.
What does handset mean?: The part of a landline telephone containing both receiver and transmitter (and sometimes dial), held in the hand.
Where does handset come from?: From hand + set.

How to pronounce handset

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “handset”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈhæn(d)sɛt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “handset”.
Repeat and practice — Say “handset” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.