The solid‐state chemistry of phosphides, phosphide oxides, and phosphide halides is reviewed. Phosphorus is outstanding, since no other element approaches phosphorus in the variety of homoatomic connected polyanions formed, as a result of its relatively low electronegativity and stereochemical features. The article covers the various synthesis techniques for solid‐state phosphides, the crystal chemistry, and chemical bonding. Besides the metal‐rich phosphides with pronounced metal–metal bonding, the large family of polyphosphides, which exhibits an unexpected wealth of chemical composition, is discussed. Furthermore, the largely varying magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties are reviewed.