Phrase guide

pocket dial

noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A situation in which one's cellphone makes a call from one's pocket when its buttons are inadvertently pressed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: butt dial

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A portable sundial of small size.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: obsolete

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To accidentally make a call this way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: butt dial

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: broekzakbellen — to accidentally call
  • Norwegian Bokmål: lommeringe — to accidentally call
  • Swedish: fickringa — to accidentally call
  • Dutch: broekzakgesprek — an act of accidentally calling
  • Swedish: fickringning — an act of accidentally calling