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Dial: meaning, definitions and examples

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dial

 

[ daɪəl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

communication

A disk with finger holes that is rotated to dial a telephone number.

Synonyms

rotary dial

Examples of usage

  • You have to dial the number before pressing the call button.
  • She picked up the phone and started to dial the emergency number.
Context #2 | Verb

communication

To make a phone call by pressing the buttons on a telephone to select a number.

Synonyms

call, ring

Examples of usage

  • I need to dial my friend to confirm our meeting time.
  • She dialed the wrong number and had to try again.

Translations

Translations of the word "dial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 discar

🇮🇳 डायल

🇩🇪 wählen

🇮🇩 memutar nomor

🇺🇦 набрати номер

🇵🇱 wykręcić numer

🇯🇵 ダイヤルする

🇫🇷 composer

🇪🇸 marcar

🇹🇷 çevirmek

🇰🇷 다이얼하다

🇸🇦 طلب

🇨🇿 vytočit

🇸🇰 vytočiť

🇨🇳 拨号

🇸🇮 izbirati

🇮🇸 hringja

🇰🇿 теру

🇬🇪 დარეკვა

🇦🇿 zəng etmək

🇲🇽 marcar

Etymology

The word 'dial' originated from the Latin word 'dialis,' meaning 'daily.' In the 16th century, it was used to refer to a sundial, which was used to tell time based on the position of the sun. The term evolved to include the rotating disk with finger holes used in telephones to select numbers. Over time, 'dial' became associated with making phone calls by selecting numbers, both on rotary phones and later on touch-tone phones.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,685 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.