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.

From Washington Times

More than 70 percent of major hotel chains are in the process of requiring their franchises to have direct-dial capabilities to emergency services, which extends access to approximately 7,800 properties, according to a 2015 Federal Communications Commission report.

From Washington Times

Under a measure nearing final approval in Congress, businesses would be required to include direct-dial 911 on any new telephone system they install.

From Washington Times

The legislation Hunt has championed through Congress would amend the 1934 Communications Act to mandate both direct-dial 911 and software that automatically alerts first responders and onsite personnel.

From Washington Times

A year earlier, none of the chains required direct-dial access to 911.

From Washington Times