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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 notes

In plain EnglishAn ancient way of telling time using sunlight and a shadow.

Word forms

sundials plural

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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.

Related words

Rhymes for sundial

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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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