Meaning & use

dial

noun·Everyday

A flat, usually circular surface marked with numbers or symbols to show a measurement or setting.

See it in a sentence

She turned the oven dial to raise the temperature for baking.

The old radio had a lit dial that glowed softly in the dark room.

A note on using this word

As a verb, to dial means to enter a phone number or adjust a control, as in dial down the volume.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To enter a telephone number in order to make a call, or to adjust a setting using a dial.

He dialed his sister's number twice before she finally answered.

Make it your own

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