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

As I squeezed the pedal harder, the animated speedometer—designed a bit like an Aztec sundial, with spiky points blooming around the center—grew in radiance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025

He kept track of time through a sundial during the day and stars at night, though he says he was given a watch near the end of his detention.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Here was Ahmad doing his prayers, posing beside a sundial Babi and he had built when he was twelve.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Related Words

• timer