misdial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Neutral to informal
Quick answer
What does “misdial” mean?
To dial a telephone number incorrectly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To dial a telephone number incorrectly.
To make an error when entering numbers or codes on a keypad or touchscreen, resulting in connection to the wrong number or system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English typically uses 'misdialled' (double L) as past tense, American uses 'misdialed' (single L). Pronunciation differences minimal.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties - neutral description of an accidental error.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English; American English may use 'dialed the wrong number' as alternative phrasing.
Grammar
How to Use “misdial” in a Sentence
[Subject] misdials [Object (number)][Subject] misdials [Indirect Object] [Direct Object][Subject] misdials [Prep Phrase (to wrong number)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “misdial” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I misdialled the emergency services number yesterday.
- She often misdials when using her new mobile.
- Don't misdial the access code for the building.
American English
- He misdialed three times before getting through.
- I always misdial my sister's new area code.
- The system prevents users from misdialing important numbers.
adverb
British English
- The number was misdialledly entered into the system.
- He called misdiallingly several times.
- She answered misdiallingly assuming it was her mother.
American English
- He dialed misdialingly in the dark.
- The call was made misdialingly early in the morning.
- They connected misdialingly to the wrong department.
adjective
British English
- The misdial connection was embarrassing.
- We received a misdial complaint from a neighbour.
- Misdial attempts are recorded in the log.
American English
- It was just a misdial call, nothing important.
- The misdial rate decreased after redesign.
- Misdial prevention features help elderly users.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when discussing professional communication errors or customer service issues.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; appears in communication studies or technology papers.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about phone mishaps.
Technical
Used in telecommunication documentation and user interface error descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “misdial”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “misdial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “misdial”
- Using 'miscall' instead of 'misdial' (miscall means to identify incorrectly)
- Confusing with 'misspell' or 'mispronounce' patterns
- Incorrect past tense: 'misdialed' vs 'misdialled' based on variety
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though originally for rotary/touch-tone phones, it's commonly used for smartphones when entering numbers incorrectly.
'Misdial' refers to the action of dialing incorrectly; 'wrong number' describes the result or the call received.
Yes, it can extend to any keypad input like security codes, PINs, or automated systems.
Yes, 'misdial' can function as a noun (e.g., 'That was a misdial'), though less common than verb usage.
To dial a telephone number incorrectly.
Misdial is usually neutral to informal in register.
Misdial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈdaɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈdaɪəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Butt dial (specifically accidental dialing from mobile in pocket)”
- “Pocket dial”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIS + DIAL = Miss (as in error) + Dial (telephone action) = Dial with a miss/mistake.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAVIGATION ERROR (taking wrong numerical route to destination)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'misdial' correctly?