dial

The definition of a dial is the face of a watch, clock, a disc or a knob.

(noun)

An example of a dial is a device for turning on a radio.

Dial is defined as to call someone by using a keypad, to tune in or to turn a knob.

(verb)

An example of dial is to phone up a friend.

See dial in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a sundial
the face of a watch or clock
1. the face of a meter, gauge, compass, etc. on which a pointer or the like indicates an amount, degree, direction, etc.
2. an illuminated strip on a radio, marked with frequency numbers and equipped with a pointer, for indicating the station selected
a usually graduated disk or knob for controlling some function, as the selection of a TV channel or the temperature of an oven
1. a rotating disk on a telephone, used in making connections automatically
2. loosely an arrangement of numbered push buttons on a telephone, used for this purpose

Origin: ME < ML dialis, daily < L dies, day: see deity

transitive verb, intransitive verb dialed or dialled, dialing or dialling

to measure (something) with or as with a dial
to tune in (a radio station, television channel, program, etc.)
☆ to call (a person, telephone number, etc.) on a telephone by using a dial, keypad, etc.

See dial in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
a. The face of a clock.
b. A sundial.
a. The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
b. A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.

verb di·aled or di·alled, di·al·ing or di·al·ling, di·als

verb, transitive

To measure with or as if with a dial.
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
To control or select by means of a dial: dial a radio station.
To call (a party) on a telephone.
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call: The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.

verb, intransitive