sundial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, slightly formal. Used in historical, technical, and descriptive contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sundial” mean?
A device that indicates the time of day by the position of a shadow cast by a central pointer (gnomon) onto a flat, marked surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device that indicates the time of day by the position of a shadow cast by a central pointer (gnomon) onto a flat, marked surface.
Any object or system that uses sunlight and shadow to function as a clock; can metaphorically refer to something that measures or marks the passage of time.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. The word is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes historical gardens, classical antiquity, or decorative objects. Neutral connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, used in similar contexts (history, archaeology, gardening).
Grammar
How to Use “sundial” in a Sentence
[The/This] sundial [shows/indicates/reads] [time/hour].A sundial [stands/sits] in [location].The shadow on the sundial [points to/marks] [the hour].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science, archaeology, and classical studies to describe ancient timekeeping devices.
Everyday
Used when describing a decorative feature in a garden or historical site.
Technical
Used in horology (study of timekeeping) to describe a specific non-mechanical instrument.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sundial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sundial”
- Misspelling as 'sun dial' (two words) – standard modern spelling is one word: 'sundial'.
- Incorrectly saying 'sundial clock' (redundant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a sundial requires sunlight to cast a shadow, so it cannot indicate time at night or in heavy cloud cover.
In modern English, it is standardly written as one word: 'sundial'. The hyphenated form 'sun-dial' is archaic.
The pointer that casts the shadow is called the 'gnomon'.
They are not used for practical timekeeping but are common as decorative objects in gardens and as historical exhibits.
A device that indicates the time of day by the position of a shadow cast by a central pointer (gnomon) onto a flat, marked surface.
Sundial is usually neutral, slightly formal. used in historical, technical, and descriptive contexts. in register.
Sundial: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌndaɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌnˌdaɪ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A SUN DIAL is a DIAL that uses the SUN to tell time. Imagine the SUN making a DIAL on the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS AN ANCIENT SUNDIAL (suggesting something beautiful but obsolete, marking time in a different way).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary functional requirement for a sundial to work accurately?