dial

To enter a telephone number in order to make a call.

• Dial this number for help.
• I dialled the wrong number twice.
• Can you dial her office directly?

Similar words: call, phone

Common phrases: dial a number, dial someone directly, dial the extension

To choose or change a setting by turning a control, or in a similar way.

• Dial the heat down a little.
• He dialled the amplifier to its highest setting.
• We dialled in the speed before starting the machine.

How to use it: dial something to something (She dialled the temperature to twenty degrees.); dial something up/down (Please dial the volume down.); dial in something (He dialled in the correct frequency.)

Similar words: adjust, set

Common phrases: dial something up, dial something down, dial in something

To start a connection from a computer to another computer or online service.

• The client failed to dial the server.
• Our program dials the database when it starts.
• Check the network address before dialling the remote service.

Similar words: connect

Common phrases: dial a server, dial the database, dial a service

A radio panel showing stations, or a round control you turn to choose a station or setting.

• Turn the dial to another station.
• The radio dial glowed in the dark.
• She adjusted the dial until the music became clear.

Similar words: knob, tuning control

Common phrases: radio dial, turn the dial, tuning dial

A round surface with marks and a moving pointer that shows a measurement.

• The dial shows the pressure.
• A needle moved across the dial.
• The watch has a large white dial.

Similar words: face

Common phrases: clock dial, pressure dial, read the dial

A round part on an older telephone that you turn to enter each number.

• The old telephone has a dial.
• Put your finger in the dial and turn it.
• The dial returned slowly after each number.

Common phrases: rotary dial, telephone dial, dial phone