What does "dial" mean?

1. (measurement display) the round face on a tool or machine that shows a measurement, like speed or temperature. 2. (control knob) a round knob that you turn to change a setting, like the volume on a radio. 3. (a person's face) a slang word for a person's face. 4. (to call a number) to type a phone number into a phone to make a call. 5. (to adjust a setting) to change a setting or amount, often used with 'up' or 'down'.

How do you use "dial"?

The verb is transitive when followed by a number or person, but can be intransitive.

dial

n. · v.

US //ˈdaɪəɫ// UK //dˈaɪəl// di·al

1 measurement display (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the round face on a tool or machine that shows a measurement, like speed or temperature.

a graduated circular scale over which a needle or pointer moves to indicate a specific measurement.

Example

The pilot watched the dial on the dashboard to check the plane's altitude.

Example

The engineer monitored the pressure dial closely, ready to shut down the system if the needle entered the red zone.
2 control knob (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a round knob that you turn to change a setting, like the volume on a radio.

a rotatable control used to select a frequency, volume level, or other setting on an electronic device.

Example

Turn the dial to the right if you want to make the heater warmer.

Example

The vintage amplifier featured a heavy brass dial that allowed for precise adjustments to the bass output.

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3 a person's face (n.)
C2 Proficiency British English Slang Informal

a slang word for a person's face.

a slang term for the human face, often used in a slightly humorous or derogatory manner.

Example

I haven't seen his ugly dial around here for a long time.

Example

He had a grin spread across his dial that suggested he was up to no good.
- face
- mug
4 to call a number (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to type a phone number into a phone to make a call.

to select a sequence of numbers on a telephone to initiate a connection.

Example

You need to dial nine first to get an outside line from this office.

Example

In an emergency, you should dial the local emergency services immediately rather than attempting to contact a private doctor.

Usage

The verb is transitive when followed by a number or person, but can be intransitive.
5 to adjust a setting (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to change a setting or amount, often used with 'up' or 'down'.

to increase or decrease the intensity or amount of something, typically used figuratively with 'up' or 'down'.

Example

The coach told the players to dial up the pressure in the second half.

Example

The marketing team decided to dial back the aggressive rhetoric in their latest campaign to avoid alienating more conservative consumers.

Idioms6 entries