Real Dictionary

dial
countable noun: A dial is the part of a machine or instrument such as a clock or watch which shows you the time or a measurement that has been recorded.

dial in American English
intransitive verb: to use a telephone dial; to dial a telephone
noun: a plate, disk, face, or other surface containing markings or figures upon which the time of day is indicated by hands, pointers, or shadows, as of a clock or sundial
transitive verb: to indicate or register on or as if on a dial

dial in American English 1
a sundial
to measure (something) with or as with a dial

dial in American English 2
dialect(al)

dial in British English
noun: the face of a watch, clock, chronometer, sundial, etc, marked with divisions representing units of time

dial. in American English
abbreviation: dialect

dial. in British English
abbreviation for: dialect(al)