sundial

noun

sun·​di·​al ˈsən-ˌdī(-ə)l 

: an instrument to show the time of day by the shadow of a gnomon on a usually horizontal plate or on a cylindrical surface

Examples of sundial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Epstein significantly expanded the living spaces, adding a larger pool, new cabanas, a massive sundial and a bizarre temple-like structure overlooking the island’s southwest coast. —Isabelle Chapman, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026

And the sundial is once again approaching that point on the programming schedule. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2026

Our junior suite overlooked the 18th-century-style garden, where a life-sized statue of James Joyce doubles as a sundial. —Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 24 Jan. 2026

Not only this, but fascinated by the sundials and time-telling monuments inside the course, Hovland reportedly skipped swing practice to soak in the heritage. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sundial

• campanile
• chrysotile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• nonpareil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle

Kids Definition

sundial

noun

sun·​di·​al -ˌdī(-ə)l 

: a device to show the time of day by the position of the shadow cast on a marked plate or disk usually by an object with a straight edge