noun
B1
Intermediate
sundial
SUHN-deye-uhl
Sundial (noun) means a device that tells the time by the shadow a rod or plate casts as the sun moves. Example: “An old stone sundial stands in the middle of the garden.”
noun
1
A device that tells the time by the shadow a rod or plate casts as the sun moves.
"An old stone sundial stands in the middle of the garden."
"The sundial only works on sunny days, of course."
How to use sundial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn ancient way of telling time using sunlight and a shadow.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sundials
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
An old stone _____ stands in the middle of the garden.
Etymology
From sun plus dial — the word dial was later adapted for clock faces too.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sundial
See all rhymes for sundial →Frequently asked questions
What does “sundial” mean?
The word “sundial” means a device that tells the time by the shadow a rod or plate casts as the sun moves. In plain terms, an ancient way of telling time using sunlight and a shadow.
How do you pronounce “sundial”?
“Sundial” is pronounced SUHN-deye-uhl (/ˈsʌnˌdaɪ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “sundial” in a sentence?
Here is “sundial” used in a sentence: “An old stone sundial stands in the middle of the garden.”
What is another word for “sundial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sundial” include dial, horologe and horologium.
What part of speech is “sundial”?
“Sundial” is a noun.
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