Dialling vs. Dialing: What's the Difference?
Edited by Janet White || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
"Dialling" and "dialing" are the same action of operating a telephone's dial or keypad, with "dialling" being the British English spelling and "dialing" the American English spelling.
Key Differences
"Dialling" is the spelling used in British English to describe the action of operating the dial or keypad of a telephone. "Dialing," with one 'l', is the American English spelling for the same action.
Both "dialling" and "dialing" can refer to the process of entering a phone number on a telephone to initiate a call. The only difference lies in their regional spelling preference.
In the context of telecommunications, both terms are used interchangeably, depending on the regional dialect. The term can also extend to the use of dials or similar interfaces in other technologies.
The choice between "dialling" and "dialing" often depends on the national standard or style guide being followed in writing or communication. The meaning, however, remains consistent across both spellings.
In modern usage, as physical dials become less common on phones, both "dialling" and "dialing" have evolved to broadly include the act of initiating a phone call, regardless of the actual interface used.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
Dialling
Dialing
Definition
Operating a telephone's dial or keypad
Operating a telephone's dial or keypad
Contextual Use
Entering a phone number to initiate a call
Entering a phone number to initiate a call
Regional Preference
Used in British English contexts
Used in American English contexts
Modern Usage
Includes any act of initiating a phone call
Includes any act of initiating a phone call
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Dialling and Dialing Definitions
Dialling
Using a dial interface.
Dialling the safe combination took time.
Dialing
The action of making a phone call.
After dialing several times, he reached them.
Dialling
Engaging in the act of making a call.
She kept dialling but got no response.
Dialing
Using a dial mechanism.
Dialing the code, he opened the door.
Dialling
Entering a number to make a call.
He spent the evening dialling different clients.
Dialing
Operating a phone's dial or keypad.
He was dialing the number when the phone rang.
Dialling
Initiating a connection via phone.
Dialling customer service was her next step.
Dialing
Entering a phone number to call.
She spent the morning dialing her contacts.
Dialling
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
Dialing
Starting a phone call.
Dialing tech support became necessary.
Dialling
The face of a clock.
Dialing
A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer.
Dialling
A sundial.
Dialing
The face of a clock.
Dialling
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
Dialing
A sundial.
Dialling
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
Dialing
The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated.
Dialling
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
Dialing
A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency.
Dialling
To measure with or as if with a dial.
Dialing
A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made.
Dialling
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
Dialing
To measure with or as if with a dial.
Dialling
To control or select by means of a dial
Dial a radio station.
Dialing
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
Dialling
To call (a party) on a telephone.
Dialing
To control or select by means of a dial
Dial a radio station.
Dialling
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
Dialing
To call (a party) on a telephone.
Dialling
To use a dial.
Dialing
To signal (a number) in making a telephone call
The program dials the number and then connects to the file server.
Dialling
To use a telephone.
Dialing
To use a dial.
Dialling
(British spelling) dial
Dialing
To use a telephone.
Dialling
(British spelling) dialing
Dialing
Present participle of dial
Dialling
Operating a telephone's dial.
She was dialling his number when he walked in.
Dialing
The act by which a number is dialed.
Dialing
(archaic) The art of constructing dials; the science of measuring time by dials.
Dialing
A method of surveying, especially in mines, in which the bearings of the courses, or the angles which they make with each other, are determined by means of the circumferentor; the use of a miner's dial.
Dialing
The art of constructing dials; the science which treats of measuring time by dials.
Dialing
A method of surveying, especially in mines, in which the bearings of the courses, or the angles which they make with each other, are determined by means of the circumferentor.
FAQs
Does dialing have a different meaning in American English?
No, "dialing" has the same meaning in American English.
Is dialling used in British English?
Yes, "dialling" is the British English spelling.
Is dialing in American English a single 'l' spelling?
Yes, "dialing" in American English is spelled with one 'l'.
Are dialling and dialing the same?
Yes, they are the same action but with different regional spellings.
Does dialling imply a long process?
Not necessarily, it can be quick or slow depending on the context.
What is dialling/dialing?
It's the action of operating a phone's dial or keypad to make a call.
Can dialling/dialing refer to entering a password?
It typically refers to phone numbers but could extend to similar actions.
Can dialling/dialing refer to using modern keypads?
Yes, it applies to both traditional dials and modern keypads.
Can dialling be automatic?
Yes, with speed dialling or programmed dialing systems.
Does the meaning change in different English dialects?
No, the meaning stays consistent across dialects.
Can dialling/dialing be used in a business context?
Yes, especially in reference to making business calls.
Can dialling/dialing be used metaphorically?
It's generally used literally, but could have metaphorical uses.
Is dialling/dialing only for telephones?
It's primarily for phones, but can apply to other devices with dials.
Does dialling/dialing require a physical dial?
Historically yes, but now it applies to digital keypads as well.
Is dialing a technical term?
It's more of a general term than a technical one.
Is dialling used in older telecommunication systems?
Yes, it originated with older rotary dial systems.
Can dialing refer to calling emergency services?
Yes, like dialing 911 in the US or 999 in the UK.
Is dialing a common term in customer service?
Yes, it's commonly used in customer service contexts.
Can dialling be a habitual action?
Yes, especially in contexts where regular calling is necessary.
Do people still use the term with smartphones?
Yes, the term is still used even with touchscreens and smartphones.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
