dial definition

1. the face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours
2. the control on a radio or television set that is used for tuning
3. the circular graduated indicator on various measuring instruments
4. a disc on a telephone that is rotated a fixed distance for each number called
5. operate a dial to select a telephone number
• examples: You must take the receiver off the hook before you dial
6. choose by means of a dial
• examples: dial a telephone number