dial tone

American  

noun

1. (in a telephone) a tone that indicates the line is ready for dialing.

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Etymology

Origin of dial tone

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

For millions, the first time they went online sounded like this: a click, a dial tone, a burst of static, a high-pitched screech, and then — if the internet gods smiled — silence, followed by a cheery voice saying, “Welcome! You’ve got mail.”

From Salon

Nearby, museum archivist Claire Violet is on her back beneath a table, trying to figure out why she can’t get a dial tone from a phone at her work station.

From Seattle Times

The Whidbey Island phone had a dial tone, so I pressed buttons until the sounds stopped.

From Seattle Times

“The bank took my car. I knew the electricity would be next, and I had no idea how I would pay my rent … I picked up the phone and, miraculously, the dial tone came on, and before they cut it off again, I started calling clubs where I had worked. I had forgotten that if you don’t do things for yourself, no one will do them for you.”

From Washington Post

I’m excited to try Busy Signal and Dial Tone, a new line of wines from pinot noir maestro Adam Lee, the founder of Siduri and Clarice wineries.

From Washington Post