dial
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: dials · dialing · dialling · dialed
Sense 1
A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed). — Such a field as part of a clock face; (metonymic) the entire clock face.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To control or select something with a dial, or (figuratively) as if with a dial.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone, regardless of whether a physical dial is present.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “dial” mean?
A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
Is “dial” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.