Is 'Cellphone' One Word Or Two? The Definitive 2025 Style Guide Showdown

The seemingly simple question of whether 'cell phone' is one word or two has become a battleground for style guides and a fascinating case study in how the English language evolves. As of late 2025, the correct spelling is no longer a matter of universal agreement; instead, it hinges entirely on which style authority you follow—a critical distinction for anyone writing news, academic papers, or general content.

The definitive answer is that both "cell phone" (two words) and "cellphone" (one word) are considered correct, but for different contexts. The trend in modern American journalism, led by the influential Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, has officially shifted to the single-word "cellphone," while major dictionary publishers and academic style guides still prefer the two-word form, creating a confusing split in contemporary usage.

The Great Style Guide Divide: AP vs. The Dictionary

The confusion surrounding the correct spelling of the device we use every day—a device that connects over 7.2 billion people globally—stems from a fundamental disagreement between editorial and lexicographical standards. This isn't just about a space; it reflects a broader linguistic movement known as compounding, where two words merge into one over time.

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For decades, "cell phone" (two words) was the undisputed standard. However, the rapid evolution of technology has pushed terms like "e-mail" to "email," and "web site" to "website." The mobile communication device was next in line for this compounding process.

The AP Stylebook’s One-Word Mandate

For journalists, editors, and media professionals, the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook is the bible of usage. The AP Stylebook has officially adopted the single-word spelling: cellphone.

• Preferred AP Spelling: cellphone
• Reasoning: To reflect common usage and align with other compounded tech terms like *smartphone* and *e-book*.
• The Verdict: If you are writing a news article, a press release, or any media-related content, "cellphone" is the correct, modern choice.

This change signals a major shift in how the media views the term, moving it from a descriptive phrase (a phone that uses cellular technology) to a single, established noun.

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Merriam-Webster and CMOS: Holding the Line at Two Words

On the other side of the debate are the major dictionaries and academic style guides, which tend to be more conservative and slower to adopt changes until the new usage is overwhelmingly dominant.

• Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary: The dictionary’s primary entry remains cell phone (two words). It defines it as "a portable usually cordless telephone for use in a cellular system."
• Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): Widely used in book publishing and academia, CMOS typically defers to Merriam-Webster. Therefore, its recommended spelling is also cell phone (two words).
• The Verdict: If you are writing a book, a scholarly paper, or a document for a company that adheres to traditional dictionary standards, "cell phone" remains the safer, more formal choice.

It is worth noting the subtle inconsistency: both Merriam-Webster and CMOS recognize "smartphone" as one word, yet they maintain "cell phone" as two words, highlighting the transitional phase the language is currently in.

The History of Hyphenation and Alternative Terms

The confusion over one word or two is actually the final stage of a three-part evolution that began with a hyphen. Understanding the historical context of the term—and its various synonyms—is essential for achieving true topical authority.

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The Death of the Hyphen: 'Cell-Phone'

Before the two-word form became standard, the term was often hyphenated: cell-phone. Hyphenation is a common stage in English where two words are clearly linked but not yet fully compounded. Think of "e-mail" before it became "email." Today, however, the hyphenated form is considered outdated and incorrect by virtually all modern style guides, including the AP. You should avoid using "cell-phone" in any professional or contemporary writing.

Regional Differences: 'Cellular Phone' and 'Mobile Phone'

The term "cell phone" is predominantly an American usage, derived from the full, technical term "cellular phone". While "cell phone" is understood globally, other regions have their own preferred terms:

• UK and Global English: The term mobile phone is far more common outside of the United States. Often, speakers simply shorten this to "mobile," as in, "I left my mobile at home."
• Technical Term: The full, formal name for the device is cellular phone, which explains the "cell" part of the name, referring to the cellular network structure.
• The Modern Reality: In both the US and globally, the vast majority of these devices are now smartphones (one word), a term that has compounded quickly due to its status as a distinct product category.

A Quick Guide to Choosing the Right Spelling

To avoid grammar mistakes and maintain consistency in your writing, the choice between "cellphone" and "cell phone" should be based on your audience and the style guide you are required to follow. This simple flowchart can help you decide which spelling is correct for your specific project:

When to Use 'Cellphone' (One Word)

Use the one-word spelling if your writing falls into any of these categories:

• Journalism & Media: Following the AP Stylebook.
• Casual/Informal Content: Blog posts, social media, or other content that prioritizes modern, common usage.
• Consistency with 'Smartphone': If your text frequently uses the one-word "smartphone," using "cellphone" provides visual consistency.

When to Use 'Cell Phone' (Two Words)

Use the two-word spelling if your writing falls into any of these categories:

• Academic Writing: Theses, dissertations, and scholarly journals following the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).
• Book Publishing: Most non-journalistic books, which follow Merriam-Webster or similar dictionaries.
• Formal/Corporate Documents: Legal papers, internal company documents, or government reports that adhere to traditional dictionary standards.

Ultimately, the debate over "is cellphone one word" highlights the dynamic nature of the English language. While the media world has embraced the modern, compounded "cellphone," the academic and dictionary world still favors the traditional "cell phone." By understanding the context, you can confidently choose the correct spelling and ensure your writing is consistent and professionally polished.