Dial — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation /ˈdī(-ə)l/ di·al

Meaning & Definition of Dial

Dial (noun)

  1. a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer
  2. a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine
  3. the face of a sundial

Dial (verb)

  1. to measure with a dial
  2. to manipulate a device (such as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select
  3. call

Dial (abbreviation)

  1. dialect
  2. dialectical

Dial (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make a telephone call to

    "dialed 911 and asked for the police"

    similar: call, phone, ring (up) (chiefly British), telephone
    related: beep, buzz, call in, cold-call

Dial (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in face, gauge

    similar: face, gauge, hand, index, indicator, needle, pointer

  2. as in button, switch

    similar: button, key, knob, lever, push button, selector, switch, actuator, control, controller, regulator

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dial

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dial:

Chiefly British: ring (up)
call, phone, telephone, face, gauge, hand, index, indicator, needle, pointer, button, key, knob, lever, push button, selector, switch, actuator, control, controller, regulator

Related Words for Dial

beep, buzz, call in, cold-call

Word Forms of Dial

Inflections: dialed, dialled, dialing, dialling

Origin & Etymology of Dial

Middle English dyal, from Medieval Latin dialis clock wheel revolving daily, from Latin dies day deity

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Dial

dial tone, dial-up, butt-dial, speed dial, don't touch that dial

Frequently Asked Questions about Dial

What does "Dial" mean?

"Dial" means a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer. As an a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dial"?

Other words for "Dial" include call, phone, ring (up), telephone, face, gauge, hand and index. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dial" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dial"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dial". Common alternatives include call, phone, ring (up), telephone, face, gauge, hand, index, indicator and needle.

How do you use "Dial" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dial" in a sentence: "dialed 911 and asked for the police".

Is "Dial" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dial" can be used as a noun, a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Dial"?

"Dial" is pronounced /ˈdī(-ə)l/ and divided into syllables as di·al.

What is the origin of the word "Dial"?

"Dial" comes from Middle English dyal, from Medieval Latin dialis clock wheel revolving daily, from Latin dies day deity. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Dial" meaning "to make a telephone call to"?

When "Dial" (verb) means to make a telephone call to, synonyms include call, phone, ring (up) and telephone.