dial into

1. To connect to someone or some place by phone or other calling platform. A number of our listeners have been dialing into the station to tell us their opinions on this matter. Ted's going to dial into the meeting from Chicago. I've been trying to dial into the call from my house, but it's not working. Can you connect me with someone from IT?

2. To connect someone to a phone call or a call on another calling platform. A noun or pronoun is used between "dial" and "into." I've been trying to dial our IT specialist into the call to help with the problem, but he isn't answering his phone. We can start as soon as we've dialed Karen into the meeting. Ted couldn't be here in person, so I'm going to dial him into the meeting from Chicago.

3. To input a particular number or numbers on a phone or other calling platform. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dial" and "into." You'll need to write the number down and then dial it into your phone. Hey, don't forget to dial 9 into your phone first—that's the only way to make an outgoing call here. A: "It's saying the number is no longer in service." B: "Are you sure you dialed it into your phone right?"

4. To adjust something into a particular position or setting using a rotating mechanism, such as a dial. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dial" and "into." If you want to take the work out of photography, you can dial the camera into "auto" and let it adjust the focus and exposure for you. There are many different knobs that allow you to dial the machine into exactly the right position. Whoa, don't dial the dryer into such a high heat setting, unless you want to shrink your clothes!