A rotary phone is a type of telephone that was widely used before the advent of touch-tone phones. It features a circular dial with numbered holes, where users would place their finger in a hole corresponding to the desired number and rotate the dial clockwise. After reaching the finger stop, the user would release the dial, allowing it to return to its original position, which would send the number to the telephone exchange. Rotary phones operate using analog technology and require a landline connection. They are often considered vintage or retro items today, and many people appreciate their nostalgic design and mechanical simplicity.