DIRECT-DIAL Definition & Meaning

direct-dial

or di·rect di·al

[ dih-rekt-dahy-uhl, -dahyl, dahy-rekt- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with or without object)

to make a telephone call outside the local area without the assistance of an operator.

adjective

being a telephone or telephone system enabling long-distance calls to be direct-dialed.
of or relating to direct dialing.

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of direct-dial¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In 1983, the last full-fledged hand-cranked telephone system in the United States went out of service as 440 telephone customers in Bryant Pond, Maine, were switched over to direct-dial service.

From

The phones in each of the hotel’s 208 rooms have a direct-dial button to the store’s personal shopping team, which can set up appointments for a store visit and can order items to be delivered to guests.

From

It will be possible "for you to direct-dial any spot on earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica".

From

“Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone. The screen can be used not only to see the people you call but also for studying documents and photographs and reading passages from books. Synchronous satellites, hovering in space will make it possible for you to direct-dial any spot on earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica.”

From

The jury was told of communication between former NoW head of news Ian Edmondson and Mulcaire between 4 March and 25 July 2006, and multiple calls by Mulcaire to Ms Jowell's direct-dial voicemail number.

From

Browse