Sundial Meaning in English
word
ˈsənˌdaɪɫ
SUN-dye-uhl
sˈʌndaɪəl
SUN-dye-uhl
Definition
A sundial is a device that tells the time of day by using the position of the sun. It usually has a flat plate with a stick (gnomon) that casts a shadow indicating the time.
Usage & Nuances
A 'sundial' is a historical and scientific object, mostly found in gardens or museums. Not used for modern timekeeping. The term is neutral and formal; rarely used figuratively. Can collocate with 'ancient', 'garden', or 'stone'.
Spanish: reloj de solPortuguese (BR): relógio de solPortuguese (PT): relógio de solChinese (Simplified): 日晷Chinese (Traditional): 日晷Hindi: सूर्य घड़ीArabic: ساعة شمسيةBengali: সূর্যঘড়িRussian: солнечные часыJapanese: 日時計Vietnamese: đồng hồ mặt trờiKorean: 해시계Turkish: güneş saatiUrdu: سورج کی گھڑیIndonesian: jam matahari
Example Sentences
The old garden has a sundial.
basic
A sundial uses the sun to show the time.
basic
People made sundials before there were clocks.
basic
I saw a beautiful sundial in the park yesterday.
natural
The sundial no longer works because the trees block the sun.
natural
Back in ancient times, people relied on the sundial to know the time.
natural