switch
swihch
Switch (noun) means a device used to turn an electrical circuit on or off. Example: “She flipped the light switch as she entered the room.”
noun
1
A device used to turn an electrical circuit on or off.
"She flipped the light switch as she entered the room."
"The switch by the door controls the lights in the hallway."
"I could not find the switch, so I sat in the dark."
2
A change or exchange from one thing to another.
"The company made a switch to renewable energy suppliers."
"The switch from paper tickets to an app confused some older passengers."
"A sudden switch in the weather ruined our picnic plans."
3
A device that connects multiple devices on a computer network, directing data between them.
"The IT team replaced the old network switch to speed up the office connection."
"Each computer in the lab plugs into a switch under the desk."
"A faulty switch meant the printers could not reach the main server."
verb
1
To change from one thing, state, or place to another.
"He switched careers after ten years in finance."
"Can we switch seats so I can sit by the window?"
"Please switch the channel, because I have already seen this programme."
How to use switch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo change from one thing to another, or a device (electrical, mechanical, or in networking) that controls or redirects something.
Common pairings
switch on/off
switch places
flip the switch
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Word forms
- Plural
- switches
- Third person singular
- switches
- Past tense
- switched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She flipped the light _____ as she entered the room.
Etymology
Possibly from Middle Dutch swijch, "twig" — the earliest meaning was a thin flexible rod, and the electrical/mechanical sense came much later, around 1800.
Class of 1800
switch joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for switch
See all rhymes for switch →Frequently asked questions
What does “switch” mean?
The word “switch” means a device used to turn an electrical circuit on or off. In plain terms, to change from one thing to another, or a device (electrical, mechanical, or in networking) that controls or redirects something.
How do you pronounce “switch”?
“Switch” is pronounced swihch (/swɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “switch” in a sentence?
Here is “switch” used in a sentence: “She flipped the light switch as she entered the room.”
What is another word for “switch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “switch” include swap, commute, counterchange, exchange, replace and shift.
What is the opposite of “switch”?
The opposite of “switch” — its antonyms — are abide, endure, last, remain and stay.
What part of speech is “switch”?
Depending on how it is used, “switch” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “switch” come from?
The word “switch” dates back to around 1800 and comes from Dutch. Possibly from Middle Dutch swijch, "twig" — the earliest meaning was a thin flexible rod, and the electrical/mechanical sense came much later, around 1800.
Is “switch” a common word?
“Switch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a switch and a button?
A switch usually stays in the position you leave it, holding a circuit on or off until you move it again — like a light switch on a wall. A button is typically momentary: it acts only while pressed and then springs back, such as a doorbell or a keyboard key.
What are the types of switches?
Common electrical switches include toggle switches that flip up and down, rocker switches that press on one side, push-button switches, and rotary or dimmer switches that turn. There are also slide and touch-sensitive types. Each does the same basic job: opening or closing a circuit to control the flow of electricity.
How does a switch work?
A switch works by breaking or completing an electrical circuit. When it is 'on', its internal contacts touch and let current flow; when 'off', the contacts separate and open a gap that stops the current. Flicking the switch simply moves those contacts together or apart to control the power.
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