phone book

Definition

A thick directory published annually listing residential and business telephone numbers organized alphabetically by name and location. Before the internet, phone books were an essential reference tool delivered to every household.

Example Usage

Before Google, if you needed someone's number, you'd flip through the phone book or call directory assistance.

Origin

First published in New Haven, Connecticut in 1878 as telephone subscribers increased and manual operator systems became impractical.

Fun Fact

Phone books became so large and heavy that they were used in magic acts as a prop for tearing, demonstrating strength.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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