sundial

American  

[suhn-dahy-uhl, -dahyl] / ˈsʌnˌdaɪ əl, -ˌdaɪl /

noun

1. an instrument that indicates the time of day by means of the position, on a graduated plate or surface, of the shadow of the gnomon as it is cast by the sun.

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sundial British  

/ ˈsʌnˌdaɪəl /

noun

1. a device indicating the time during the hours of sunlight by means of a stationary arm (the gnomon ) that casts a shadow onto a plate or surface marked in hours

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Etymology

Origin of sundial

First recorded in 1570–80; sun + dial

Example Sentences

You’re watching a ticker that moves like a sundial.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

The name gujeolpan refers to nine ingredients on a plate, with eight colorful vegetables or proteins sliced thinly and arrayed around the edge of plate, much like a mouth-watering sundial.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2025

There are secrets, a garden replete with a sundial and creepy statues and a house that traps its residents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Only 28% said they preferred the sundial shuffle.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2025

"I've been thinking," he said, "about a clock. We could make a sundial We could put a stick in the sand, and then-" The effort to express the mathematical processes involved was too great.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

Related Words

• timer