direct-dial

Or di·rect di·al

[dih-rekt-dahy-uhl, -dahyl, dahy-rekt-]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make a telephone call outside the local area without the assistance of an operator.

adjective

1. being a telephone or telephone system enabling long-distance calls to be direct-dialed.

2. of or relating to direct dialing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct-dial¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

In 1983, the last full-fledged hand-cranked telephone system in the United States went out of service as 440 telephone customers in Bryant Pond, Maine, were switched over to direct-dial service.

Read more on Washington Times

The phones in each of the hotel’s 208 rooms have a direct-dial button to the store’s personal shopping team, which can set up appointments for a store visit and can order items to be delivered to guests.

Read more on New York Times

It will be possible "for you to direct-dial any spot on earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica".

Read more on BBC

“Communications will become sight-sound and you will see as well as hear the person you telephone. The screen can be used not only to see the people you call but also for studying documents and photographs and reading passages from books. Synchronous satellites, hovering in space will make it possible for you to direct-dial any spot on earth, including the weather stations in Antarctica.”

Read more on Scientific American

The jury was told of communication between former NoW head of news Ian Edmondson and Mulcaire between 4 March and 25 July 2006, and multiple calls by Mulcaire to Ms Jowell's direct-dial voicemail number.

Read more on BBC