What does redial mean?
To redial is to dial a telephone number again, usually because the previous attempt failed, produced a busy signal, or was disconnected. The word is especially associated with telephones, but it can also describe calling someone again after an unsuccessful attempt to reach them. In formal and technical contexts, redial may refer to a feature that automatically repeats the last dialed number or that lets the user initiate another call. It is practical and direct rather than literary, and its meaning is usually clear from the surrounding conversation: “redial” means making another call, not merely recalling a missed call. The related noun can denote the act of dialing again or a function used to do so. Although the prefix re- is also the ordinary spelling in words such as rewrite and repeat, the common expression redial the number makes its telephone meaning especially transparent.
To dial a telephone number again, especially after an unsuccessful or disconnected call.
"The number was busy, so she redialed a few minutes later."
Common in general and telecommunications contexts; British and American English differ mainly in the spelling of inflected forms.
The act of dialing a telephone number again, or a function that enables another call attempt.
"A single press of the redial button brought the call through."
The redial button turns an unsuccessful connection into a second chance without making you retype the number.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does redial come from?
Redial was formed in the 20th century by combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with dial, the verb for making a telephone connection. Dial ultimately comes through French and Latin from a Greek word associated with distinguishing or speaking separately. The word’s development follows the expansion of telephone systems, in which repeating a previously dialed number became a familiar practical action.
Related word forms
How redial is actually used
Redial is especially common in telecommunications and everyday conversation. In British spelling, the inflected form may be written redialled; in American spelling, redialed is usual.
Easily confused with redial
To redial is to dial a number again, while to recall a call generally means to return a missed call.