Dial
/ˈdaɪəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsA circular plate or a marked surface indicating information, often with a rotating pointer.
/ˈdaɪəl/
A circular plate or surface with a marked scale and a pointer, used to indicate a measurement.
The speedometer had a clear, easy-to-read dial.
💡 Simply: Imagine a clock or a phone. The part that shows the numbers or that you turn to make a call is called a dial. It helps you know the time or choose a number.
👶 For kids: It's like the face of a clock or a phone! You use it to see the time or pick a number.
More Examples
The electrician adjusted the settings on the control dial.
She checked the temperature on the oven's dial.
How It's Used
"The clock's dial displayed the current time."
"He turned the dial on the phone to select the desired number."
To make a telephone call by entering the number using a dial or buttons, or to select a setting on a device.
/ˈdaɪəl/
To operate a telephone or other device by rotating a dial or pressing buttons.
She dialed the emergency services number.
💡 Simply: Think of making a call on your phone, or changing the channel on the TV with a remote. You dial a number or press the buttons to make something happen.
👶 For kids: It's like pushing buttons on a phone to call someone!
More Examples
I tried to dial the wrong number.
He carefully dialed the code to unlock the safe.
How It's Used
"He dialed his friend's number."
"The technician dialed the correct code to unlock the system."
Idioms & expressions
dial down
To reduce or decrease something, such as intensity, volume, or effort.
"The company decided to dial down its marketing spend during the economic downturn."
From Old French *dïal*, from Medieval Latin *diālis* ('daily, of the day'), from Latin *diēs* ('day').
Historically, the word 'dial' was heavily associated with timekeeping devices like sundials and clock faces. The verb form gained prominence with the invention and spread of the telephone.
Memory tip
Think of the round face of a clock – that's a dial!