sundial
noun
sun·di·al
ˈsən-ˌdī(-ə)l 
: 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
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 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Dictionary Entries Near sundial
Cite this Entry
“Sundial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sundial. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sundial
noun
sun·di·al
-ˌdī(-ə)l
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share