dial in

See also: dial-in

English

Etymology

dial + in, from tuning in to a radio frequency by changing the dial, or dialling a telephone number (originally on a rotary dial).

Verb

dial in (third-person singular simple present dials in, present participle dialing in, simple past and past participle dialed in)

  1. To configure or set up, particularly a complex machine with many configuration options (especially knobs and dials).
    Before starting the recording, make sure you've dialled in the right synthesiser settings.
  2. To connect to a system or service by telephone.
    I tried dialling in to the server, but I couldn't connect.
  3. To join or participate in a conference call.
    Did you dial in to that earnings announcement?
  4. To apprehend and align oneself (to an idea, circumstance, way of thinking, etc.)
    The company quickly dialled in to the fact that customers wanted greater convenience.
    Nowadays most people are dialled in to the idea that smoking is bad for you.

Usage notes

When used as a verb, unhyphenated; when used as an adjective, hyphenated (dial-in).

See also

Anagrams

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