dial-up

[ dahy-uhl-uhp, dahyl- ]

adjective

, Computers.

1. relating to or denoting a type of computer data transmission encoded in audio format and transmitted through a telephone call to an internet service provider:

   A dial-up connection to the internet is too slow to play most online video games.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dial-up¹

First recorded in 1960–65; adjective use of verb phrase dial up

Example Sentences

Those people will dial up their old chum at the Senator's office and demand to know why the Medicare actuaries want them to die.

From The Daily Beast

“When I get calls from the White House, they say, ‘Dial up the pain,’” Munter tells me.

From The Daily Beast

Some people are using landline connections and dial-up modems to call ISPs in other countries and get onto the Internet.

From The Daily Beast

Our careers need to be waves where we can dial up and down, according to the changing demands of our lives.

From The Daily Beast

Through a dim red haze, Thane saw Candar shove the dial up still another notch.

From Project Gutenberg

This would obviate the necessity of setting the zero of the dial up to the pointer at the initial imprint.

From Project Gutenberg

Then run it dial up for twenty-four hours and make a notation as to the number of seconds either fast or slow.

From Project Gutenberg

The testing should preferably be done in the dial up position to eliminate poise errors as much as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

She draws the watch from her waistbelt, and holds the dial up.

From Project Gutenberg