Definition

A small device that receives messages and alerts the user with sounds or vibrations, often used before mobile phones became common.

Example

He carried a pager to receive important messages while he was away from his desk.

Conversation

Do you remember when we used to use a pager in high school?

Yeah, that was so long ago!

I kind of miss the simplicity of just having a pager.

Right? It was so much easier than phones!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pager → The word 'pager' is derived from the verb 'page' (from Old French *pager*, meaning to turn the pages of a book or to summon) combined with the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A pager is a device that summons or alerts a person.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'summons' or 'alerts' you — that's what a pager does, as it comes from the word 'page' meaning to call or summon.

Visually Confused Words