dial Definition
- 1a round or circular control on a machine or instrument
- 2to make a phone call by pressing the buttons on a telephone
- 3to select a number, program, etc. on a machine by turning a dial
Using dial: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She dialed his number and waited for him to answer.
Example
The radio has a dial that you can use to change the station.
Example
He turned the dial to adjust the temperature.
Example
The watch has a dial that shows the time.
dial Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with dial
dial up
to connect to the internet using a telephone line and a modem
Example
I used to have to dial up to get online.
Example
We need to dial down the volume on the music.
Example
I need to dial in the focus on my camera before taking the picture.
Origins of dial
from Middle English 'diall', from Old French 'cadran', from Latin 'cadranus', from Ancient Greek 'κάδρανος' (kádranos), meaning 'a sundial'
Summary: dial in Brief
The term 'dial' [ˈdaɪəl] refers to a round or circular control on a machine or instrument, such as a knob or button. It also means to make a phone call by pressing the buttons on a telephone or to select a number or program on a machine by turning a dial. Examples include 'She dialed his number and waited for him to answer.' and 'The radio has a dial that you can use to change the station.'