sundial

[ suhn-dahy-uhl, -dahyl ]

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.

sundial

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sundial¹

First recorded in 1570–80; sun + dial

Example Sentences

Cross the orbit of 6446 Lomberg, the asteroid named in honor of his contributions to science, and sail by Mars, where the Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity rovers bear sundials he helped design.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The largest of the group by far, “Point of Infinity,” is also a sundial in a sense, though without hour markings.

From New York Times

The ancient Egyptians invented the first water clocks and sundials more than 3,500 years ago.

From Scientific American

They riff on the ancient Greek advancements of the sundial, making natural light part of their deal, allowing ‌their surfaces to shift and dance as a viewer moves around them.

From New York Times

Related Words

• timer