dialer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediumtechnical/informal
Quick answer
What does “dialer” mean?
A person, device, or software that dials a phone number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, device, or software that dials a phone number; primarily a tool for initiating telephone calls.
In computing, a program that establishes a connection to a network, especially the internet, via a modem. Also refers to systems for automated mass calling (e.g., predictive dialers in call centers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'dialler' (double L), US 'dialer' (single L).
Connotations
Both share the same core meaning, with no significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to historical telemarketing and tech industry prevalence; UK English often prefers 'dialling device' or 'dialler' in technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dialer” in a Sentence
[adjective] dialerdialer for [purpose]dialer that [clause]dialer [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Predictive dialers are widely used in telemarketing to increase agent efficiency.
Academic
The impact of automated dialers on consumer privacy has been debated in legal literature.
Everyday
My new phone has a built-in dialer that suggests contacts as I type.
Technical
The modem dialer script initiates a PPP connection to the ISP.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialer”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dialer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialer”
- Using 'dialer' to mean a telephone device in its entirety (instead of just the dialing component).
- Misspelling as 'dialar' or 'dieler'.
- In British English, using the US spelling 'dialer' in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes (e.g., 'switchboard dialer'), but in modern usage it almost exclusively refers to devices or software.
A system used in call centers that dials numbers automatically and connects answered calls to available agents, predicting when agents will be free.
In British English, the correct spelling is 'dialler' (double L), following the rule of doubling the consonant before a suffix when the stress is on the last syllable of the base word ('dial').
Yes, especially in historical computing contexts (1990s–early 2000s), a 'dialer' was a program that established a dial-up internet connection via a modem.
A person, device, or software that dials a phone number.
Dialer is usually technical/informal in register.
Dialer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪələ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪələr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dialer's remorse (rare, informal: regretting a call immediately after dialing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIAL' + 'ER' – like a 'player' plays, a 'dialer' dials.
Conceptual Metaphor
A dialer is a bridge-builder for voices, connecting separated points through a numerical code.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dialer' most accurately used?