1 B1 informal
(Dated) To call someone on a telephone by dialling their number.
"I'll dial you up later this evening when I get home."
separable
dial up
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To increase the intensity, level, or degree of something, or (historically) to call someone by telephone.
In plain English
To make something stronger or more intense, like turning up a dial — or, in an older sense, to call someone on the phone.
What does "dial up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To increase the level, intensity, or degree of something.
"The director asked the cast to dial up the emotion in the final scene."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To access the internet or a network through a telephone line (now historical).
"In the 1990s, you had to dial up to connect to the internet."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn a dial upward to increase a setting.
Actually means
To make something stronger or more intense, like turning up a dial — or, in an older sense, to call someone on the phone.
Usage tip
The historical sense (to telephone someone) is now dated in most varieties of English, replaced by 'call' or 'ring'. The figurative sense (to increase intensity) is modern and common, especially in American English media and tech contexts. 'Dial-up' as a noun/adjective refers to old slow internet connections.
Words that pair with "dial up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure charm intensity drama production tension
How to conjugate "dial up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dial up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dials up
he/she/it
Past simple
dialed up
yesterday
Past participle
dialed up
have + pp
-ing form
dialing up
continuous
Hear "dial up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dial up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "dial up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.