How to pronounce dial
Say it like DY-ul. Dial has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY).
- DY
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dial
American and British speakers say dial in essentially the same way: /ˈdaɪəl/ in the US and /ˈdaɪəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: DY-ul.
What does dial mean?
- A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).“The dial on the dashboard showed the car was nearly out of gas.”
- Such a field as part of a clock face; (metonymic) the entire clock face.
- A sundial.
- To control or select something with a dial, or (figuratively) as if with a dial.“The lead guitarist for the rock band Spinal Tap dialed his amplifier to 11.”
- To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone, regardless of whether a physical dial is present.“In an emergency dial 999.”
- To use a dial or a telephone.“Please be careful when dialling.”
Where does dial come from?
The original meaning was 'sundial' and/or 'clock dial'; from Middle English diall, from Middle French dyal, from Latin diālis (“daily, concerning the day”), because of its use in telling the time of day, from Latin diēs (“day”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- telephone dial
Words that rhyme with dial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dial.
Questions about saying dial
How do you pronounce dial?
Say DY-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈdaɪəl/. In British English it is /ˈdaɪəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dial?
Dial has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DY). Broken into parts: DY · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say dial the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdaɪəl/ and the British form is /ˈdaɪəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.