dial

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   choose by means of a dial

   dial a telephone number

2. 2
   verb

   operate a dial to select a telephone number

   You must take the receiver off the hook before you dial

3. 3
   noun

   A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).

   Holonyms: (often holonymous) instrument, gauge

4. 4
   noun

   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!

5. 5
   noun

   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.

6. 6
   noun

   A person's face.

   “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.”

7. 7
   verb

   To control or select something with a dial, or (figuratively) as if with a dial.

   The lead guitarist for the rock band Spinal Tap dialed his amplifier to 11.

8. 8
   verb

   To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone, regardless of whether a physical dial is present.

   In an emergency dial 999.

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”).