1
: the face of a sundial
2
obsolete
: timepiece
3
: the graduated face of a timepiece
4
a
: a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer
the thermometer dial reads 70°F
b
: a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine
a radio dial
a telephone dial
dialed or dialled; dialing or dialling
1
: to measure with a dial
2
a
: to manipulate a device (such as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select
dial your favorite program
dialed the wrong number
b
: call sense 1m(1)
dialed the office
1
Synonyms
Examples of dial in a Sentence
Noun
the dial of a pressure gauge
I had to keep adjusting the radio dial to make the station come in clearly.
Verb
I'm sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number.
dialed 911 and asked for the police
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
The brand offers a host of customization options, including up to 10 different ornamental stone dials, and the meteorite dial, up to five different colors for the leather strap, a case in either white or rose gold, and the option for either the new dauphine-style hands or the original batons.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024
Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
Oil prices stuck at $80 per barrel over the last year, and flagging overseas investment, have blown a $32 billion hole in the kingdom’s budget and led to spending on mega projects like the futuristic city of Neom reportedly being dialed back.
—Iain Martin, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dial 
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Noun
The Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 comes loaded with six patents, 20 complications, five chiming modes, two reversible dials, and a movement made up of 1,366 parts.
—Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
The brand offers a host of customization options, including up to 10 different ornamental stone dials, and the meteorite dial, up to five different colors for the leather strap, a case in either white or rose gold, and the option for either the new dauphine-style hands or the original batons.
—Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
But as the city dialed back its resources for migrants, Beck was left to catch those who fell through the gaps — both newcomers and the unhoused.
—Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024
Oil prices stuck at $80 per barrel over the last year, and flagging overseas investment, have blown a $32 billion hole in the kingdom’s budget and led to spending on mega projects like the futuristic city of Neom reportedly being dialed back.
—Iain Martin, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dial
Articles Related to dial
Dictionary Entries Near dial
Cite this Entry
“Dial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dial. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dial
1 of 2 noun
di·al
ˈdī(-ə)l 
1
a
: sundial
b
: the face of a watch or clock
2
a
: a face or scale on which some measurement is registered usually by means of numbers and a pointer
the thermometer dial reads 60°
b
: a disk usually with a knob or slots that may be turned to make electrical connections (as on a telephone) or to regulate the operation of a device (as a radio)
dial
2 of 2 verb
dialed or dialled; dialing or dialling
1
: to turn a dial so as to operate, regulate, or select
2
: to make a telephone call or connection
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