B1
to operate a phone or make a phone call to someone by choosing a particular series of numbers on the phone:
dial someone/something direct Can I dial this number direct, or do I have to go through the operator?
Dial 0 for the switchboard.
-ll- or US usually -l-
to operate a phone or make a phone call to someone by choosing a particular series of numbers on the phone:
dial someone/something direct Can I dial this number direct, or do I have to go through the operator?
Dial 0 for the switchboard.
the part of a machine or device that shows you a measurement of something such as speed or time:
Can you read what it says on the dial?
dial of/on The dial of/on his watch had a picture of Mickey Mouse on it.
a device on an instrument that you move in order to control it or make changes to it:
You turn this dial to find a different radio station.
the disc with numbers on old-fashioned phones that you turn when you make a call
to make a telephone call by pressing the buttons or turning the disk on a telephone to be connected to a particular number:
[ T ] What number did you dial?
the part of a machine or device that shows a measurement, such as of speed or time, often a numbered circle with a moving pointer (= long narrow part with a point)
A dial is also a part of an instrument that you can turn or move to control it:
Turn the dial of the radio and get some music.
UK -ll- | US -l-
to make a phone call by pressing a series of buttons with numbers, or moving a disc with numbers, on the phone:
If you have the extension number you can dial any member of staff direct.
Dial 9 for an outside line.