redial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “redial” mean?
To dial (a telephone number) again.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To dial (a telephone number) again.
1. To call again by pressing buttons on a phone, especially after a failed call or to call the last number again. 2. To set or adjust a dial or numeric control again, especially in technical contexts (e.g., a radio tuner).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of repetition, persistence, or correction of a failed call.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects, given the universal function on telephones.
Grammar
How to Use “redial” in a Sentence
[Subject] redials [Object: number/person].[Subject] redials.The [Device] has an automatic redial.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redial” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you get the engaged tone, just redial.
- My mobile automatically redials the last number.
- You'll have to redial using the full international code.
American English
- If you get a busy signal, just hit redial.
- The phone has an automatic redial feature.
- I had to redial because I miskeyed the area code.
adverb
British English
- This is not used as an adverb.
American English
- This is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The redial function is activated by the hash key.
- She pressed the redial button in frustration.
American English
- The redial feature is standard on most cordless phones.
- Just use the redial key to call them back.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when referring to persistent attempts to contact clients or colleagues. 'I had to redial the conference line three times to get connected.'
Academic
Rare, except in technical descriptions of communication systems or user behaviour studies.
Everyday
Very common in the context of mobile or landline phones. 'The line was busy, so I just hit redial.'
Technical
Can refer to automated calling systems or the re-establishment of a network connection.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redial”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redial”
- Using 'recall' as a direct synonym (which more often means 'remember'). Confusing 'redial' with 'return a call' or 'call back' (which implies the other person called first).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standard as one word (redial). The hyphenated form (re-dial) is less common but can be found, especially in older texts or for emphasis.
Yes, informally. For example, 'Give it a redial' or 'The phone's redial is broken.' The noun form refers to the function or the act itself.
'Redial' focuses on the action of entering the number/sequence again. 'Call back' focuses on the return communication and can imply the other party called first or that you are returning to a conversation.
Yes, although the physical 'redial button' is less common, the concept persists in call logs where you can tap the last number again, or in apps with 'retry' functions for failed calls.
To dial (a telephone number) again.
Redial is usually informal to neutral in register.
Redial: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈdaɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈdaɪəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On redial (constantly trying to call).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-DIAL: 'RE' (meaning again) + 'DIAL' (to call). You RE-DIAL when you need to RE-try a call.
Conceptual Metaphor
Persistence is repeated mechanical action (the finger pressing the button again). Correction is a reset (dialing again to fix an error).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'redial'?