dial
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1di·al
noun \ˈdī(-ə)l\Definition of DIAL
1
: the face of a sundial
2
obsolete : timepiece
3
: the graduated face of a timepiece
4
a : a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer <the thermometer dial reads 70°F> b : a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine <a radio dial> <a telephone dial>
See Examples of DIAL
- the dial of a pressure gauge
- I had to keep adjusting the radio dial to make the station come in clearly.
Origin of DIAL
Middle English dyal, from Medieval Latin dialis clock wheel revolving daily, from Latin dies day — more at deity
First Known Use: 15th century
2dial
verbdi·aled or di·alleddi·al·ing or di·al·ling
Definition of DIAL
transitive verb
1
: to measure with a dialect
2
a : to manipulate a device (as a dialect) so as to operate, regulate, or select <dial your favorite program> <dialed the wrong number> b : call 1m(1) <dialed the office>
intransitive verb
1
: to manipulate a dialect
2
: to make a telephone call or connection
— di·al·er noun
Examples of DIAL
- I'm sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number.
- <dialed 911 and asked for the police>
First Known Use of DIAL
1653
3dial
abbreviationLearn More About DIAL
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: diakinesis
All Words Near: dial
Previous Word in the Dictionary: diakinesis
All Words Near: dial
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