rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydialMeasurement display
noun / verb

dial

DYE-uhl/ˈdaɪəl/

A marked face indicating or selecting a setting.

The timer's pointer selects a numbered setting on its circular dial.

Close-up of a simple kitchen timer with a large numbered circular dial and a central turning knob whose pointer aligns with one of the numbered settings.
Etymology
dialOld Frenchsundial

A sundial’s graduated surface supplied the model for a face with a moving pointer. The name broadened to instrument faces and numbered controls, including the rotating plate of a telephone.

In context

What Car?6:51
make this rotary dial down here control more functions of the infotainment system
NEW Polestar 4 review – no rear window, no problem? | What Car?

More examples

  • Turn the dial to select the gentle wash cycle.
  • I dial down the radio's volume when the phone rings.
  • She dials her sister's number from memory.

Forms

dial · dials · dialed · dialing

Similar words

face
Face refers to the display surface, not a turning control.
knob
Knob emphasizes the part you turn, not its markings.