sundial

noun

sun·​di·​al ˈsən-ˌdī(-ə)l How to pronounce sundial (audio)
: an instrument to show the time of day by the shadow of a gnomon on a usually horizontal plate or on a cylindrical surface

Examples of sundial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The curving observation tower functions similarly to a massive sundial and marks the changing of the seasons. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024 Designed like a huge sundial, the Arctic Henge casts shadows in precise locations between its arched gateways. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 July 2024 Many older Ladakhi homes have an opening that lets the first rays of sun fall directly onto these earthen stoves, not only warming them before the cooking begins but also turning them into sundials. Smitha Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2023 The story of precision timing begins with primitive yet ingenious methods like sundials and water clocks, markers of humanity's first steps in timekeeping. Markus Lutz, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sundial 

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sundial was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near sundial

Cite this Entry

“Sundial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sundial. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sundial

noun
sun·​di·​al -ˌdī(-ə)l How to pronounce sundial (audio)
: a device to show the time of day by the position of the shadow cast on a marked plate or disk usually by an object with a straight edge

More from Merriam-Webster on sundial

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