The term 'DIAL SOUNDS' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: 'DIAL' and 'TONES'. 'DIAL' is a verb meaning to operate a rotary telephone by turning the DIAL to select a number. 'TONES' refers to the sound made when a rotary telephone is operated, which is a series of clicks as the DIAL is turned. This sound was once a common occurrence in households, but has become less common with the advent of touch-tone phones.