Definition
The continuous humming sound heard on a telephone after picking up the handset, indicating that the line is connected and ready to receive a dialed number. The tone signals the phone system is operational and waiting for input.
Example Usage
I picked up the phone but heard no dial tone, so I knew the line was dead.
Origin
Named after the rotary dial mechanism used on early phones; the tone was literally the signal to begin dialing.
Fun Fact
In North America, the dial tone is typically a 350 Hz and 440 Hz combination; different countries use different frequencies and tones.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Dial tone” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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