What does "dial" mean?
A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
Dial
name, noun, verb, slang
name, noun, verb, slang ·2 syllables ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
- Grammar: dial is listed as name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: adjust, adjust dial, adjust knobs, alcohol.
- Useful contrasts: amplify, disconnect, hang up.
- Usage evidence: Could you dial for me? The telephone is too high.
How to use "dial"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "dial" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "dial" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "dial" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "dial" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "dial" is acting as name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adjust" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "dial", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
"Holonyms: (often holonymous) instrument, gauge"
- 2 the face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours wordnet
- 3 A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).; Such a field as part of a clock face; (metonymic) the entire clock face.
- 4 a disc on a telephone that is rotated a fixed distance for each number called wordnet
- 5 A sundial.
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 the circular graduated indicator on various measuring instruments wordnet
- 7 A panel on a radio etc showing wavelengths or channels; a knob that is turned to change the wavelength etc.
"Turn the dial to Radio 4: my favourite show is on!"
- 8 the control on a radio or television set that is used for tuning wordnet
- 9 A disk with finger holes on a telephone; used to select the number to be called.
"His hands were too fat to operate the dial on the telephone."
- 10 A person's face. Australia, UK, slang
"“Well, all I can say is that if yer don't take yer dial outer the road I'll bloomin' well take an' bounce a gibber off yer crust.”"
- 11 A miner's compass.
Verb
- 1 To control or select something with a dial, or (figuratively) as if with a dial. transitive
"The lead guitarist for the rock band Spinal Tap dialed his amplifier to 11."
- 2 choose by means of a dial wordnet
- 3 To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone, regardless of whether a physical dial is present. transitive
"In an emergency dial 999."
- 4 operate a dial to select a telephone number wordnet
- 5 To use a dial or a telephone. intransitive
"Please be careful when dialling."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To initiate a connection to a remote computer service such as a database. transitive
"The application failed when attempting to dial the Postgres server, because there were too many open connections."
- 7 To use a dial-up modem to connect a personal computer to the Internet. dated, intransitive
"I always check my guestbook when I dial, just in case anyone saw my Web site."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Could you dial for me? The telephone is too high."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "dial"?
Common synonyms include: adjust, adjust dial, adjust knobs, alcohol, appraise, appreciate.
How do you use "dial" in a sentence?
Could you dial for me? The telephone is too high.
Etymology
The original meaning was 'sundial' and/or 'clock dial'; from Middle English diall, from Middle French dyal, from Latin diālis (“daily, concerning the day”), because of its use in telling the time of day, from Latin diēs (“day”). Compare Spanish dial and día (“day”).