dial

8 definitions • 9 examples

to operate a phone or make a phone call to someone by choosing a particular series of numbers on the phone:

dial someone/something direct Can I dial this number direct, or do I have to go through the operator?

Dial 0 for the switchboard.

the part of a machine or device that shows you a measurement of something such as speed or time:

Can you read what it says on the dial?

dial of/on The dial of/on his watch had a picture of Mickey Mouse on it.

a device on an instrument that you move in order to control it or make changes to it:

You turn this dial to find a different radio station.

the disc with numbers on old-fashioned phones that you turn when you make a call

to make a telephone call by pressing the buttons or turning the disk on a telephone to be connected to a particular number:

[ T ] What number did you dial?

the part of a machine or device that shows a measurement, such as of speed or time, often a numbered circle with a moving pointer (= long narrow part with a point)

A dial is also a part of an instrument that you can turn or move to control it:

Turn the dial of the radio and get some music.

to make a phone call by pressing a series of buttons with numbers, or moving a disc with numbers, on the phone:

If you have the extension number you can dial any member of staff direct.

Dial 9 for an outside line.