Definition

1. Noun:

   • A disc on a telephone: A rotating disc on a telephone, used to input a telephone number by turning it a fixed distance for each digit.
   • A graduated indicator: The circular, marked indicator on measuring instruments like a pressure gauge, voltmeter, or radio.
   • A tuning control: The knob or control on a radio, television, or other device used for selecting a frequency or channel.
   • The face of a timepiece: The front part of a clock or watch, marked with numbers or symbols to show the time.

2. Verb:

   • To choose by means of a dial: To select a number, frequency, or setting by turning a dial.
   • To operate a telephone dial: To input a telephone number by using a rotary dial or, by extension, a keypad.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The old telephone had a rotary dial with finger holes for each number.
  • Turn the dial on the radio to find a clear station.
  • The pressure dial showed the tank was nearly full.
  • The watch has a luminous dial that glows in the dark.

• Verb:

  • Please dial 911 in an emergency.
  • He carefully dialed the combination on the safe.
  • You must lift the receiver before you dial.

Advanced Usage

• "Dial in" (phrasal verb): To adjust or fine-tune something precisely; to achieve a perfect setting or connection.

  • The mechanic dialed in the engine for maximum performance.
  • It took a moment to dial in to the video conference.

• "Dial down" (phrasal verb): To reduce the intensity, volume, or level of something.

  • He was asked to dial down his aggressive tone during the negotiation.

• "Dial up" (phrasal verb): To increase the intensity, volume, or level; also refers to connecting to the internet via a dial-up modem.

  • Let's dial up the excitement for the final game.
  • In the 1990s, you had to dial up to get online.

Variants and Related Words

• Dial tone (n): The continuous sound heard from a telephone receiver indicating the line is ready for a number to be dialed.

  • I picked up the phone and heard the dial tone.

• Dial plate (n): Another term for the face of a measuring instrument or clock.

• Sun dial (n): A device that tells time by the position of a shadow cast by the sun.

Synonyms

• Noun: Face, gauge, indicator, knob.
• Verb: Call, phone, ring (up), tune, select.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dial back: Similar to "dial down," meaning to reduce.

  • The company had to dial back its expansion plans.

• Dial into: To connect to a meeting or broadcast, often remotely.

  • Hundreds of employees dialed into the webinar.

Related Idioms

• "Watch the dial": To monitor a gauge or indicator closely.

  • When the engine overheats, you need to watch the dial.

• "Set the dial to...": Figuratively, to focus on or prioritize a particular thing.

  • For this quarter, we need to set the dial to customer satisfaction.

Noun

1. a disc on a telephone that is rotated a fixed distance for each number called
2. the circular graduated indicator on various measuring instruments
3. the control on a radio or television set that is used for tuning
4. the face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours

Verb

1. choose by means of a dial
   • dial a telephone number
2. operate a dial to select a telephone number
   • You must take the receiver off the hook before you dial