800 number

English

Etymology

In the original North American Numbering Plan, telephone numbers with the 800 area code were designated as toll-free, meaning that the receiving party, rather than the caller, incurred the charges. As demand for toll-free numbers increased, additional area codes were introduced, including 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833, with 822 reserved for future use. The term 800 number is now commonly used to refer collectively to all such toll-free numbers.

Noun

800 number (plural 800 numbers)

1. (Canada, US) A toll-free telephone number.

See also

• 1-800
• 900 number