Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
dial

di·al

dial

 
 
pronunciation:
daI l
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a disk or plate, usu. with numbers and a pointer indicating gradations of a measure such as speed, pressure, or the like.
Besides the speedometer and tachometer, this car's dashboard had dials that I'd never seen before.
definition 2: the face of a clock or watch.
He sat watching the hands of the clock moving around the dial.The dial on my new watch lights up in the dark.
definition 3: the mechanism of a television or radio for tuning to different channels or wavelengths.
She quickly turned the dial as the radio station began playing a song she detested.
definition 4: a disk or plate that can be rotated, often by a knob, to regulate a mechanism or to make and break electrical connections.
definition 5: on some telephones, the disk with finger holes enabling the user to select particular numbers.
The plastic dial on this phone moves so slowly!
 
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: dials, dialing, dialed
definition 1: to select, regulate, or tune to by using a dial.
In the evenings, the family would dial their local radio station and listen to the news and comedy shows.
definition 2: to select (numbers or other symbols) on a telephone by turning a dial, pressing buttons, or tapping a screen.
If there is a real emergency, dial 911.I was trying to call Susan, but I dialed my mother's number by mistake.
 
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to select desired numbers on a telephone in order to make a call.
I'm sure I dialed correctly, but I still got the wrong number.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: dialer (n.)