Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense switches, present participle switching, past tense, past participle switched
1. countable noun
A switch is a small control for an electrical device which you use to turn the device on oroff.
Leona put some detergent into the dishwasher, shut the door and pressed the switch.
...a light switch.
Synonyms: control, button, lever, on/off device More Synonyms of switch
2. verb
If you switchto something different, for example to a different system, task, or subject of conversation, you change to it from what you were doing or saying before.
Estonia is switching to a market economy. [VERB + to]
The law would encourage companies to switch from coal to cleaner fuels. [VERBfrom noun to noun]
The encouragement of a friend spurred Chris into switching jobs. [VERB noun]
[Also VERB]
Switch is also a noun.
New technology made a switch to oil possible.
The spokesman implicitly condemned the government's policy switch.
Switch over means the same as switch.
...a professional man who started out in law but switched over to medicine. [VERBPARTICLE + to]
[Also VERBPARTICLE]
3. verb
If you switch your attention from one thing to another or if your attention switches, you stop paying attention to the first thing and start paying attention to the second.
My mother's interest had switched to my health. [VERB + to]
As the era wore on, she switched her attention to films. [VERB noun + to]
4. verb
If you switch two things, you replace one with the other.
In half an hour, they'd switched the tags on every cable. [VERB noun]
The ballot boxes have been switched. [beVERB-ed]
Synonyms: exchange, trade, swap, replace More Synonyms of switch
Phrasal verbs:
See switch off
See switch on
See switch over
More Synonyms of switch
switch in British English
(swɪtʃ)
noun
1.
a mechanical, electrical, electronic, or optical device for opening or closing a circuit or for diverting energy from one part of a circuit to another
2.
a swift and usually sudden shift or change
3.
an exchange or swap
4.
a flexible rod or twig, used esp for punishment
5.
the sharp movement or blow of such an instrument
6.
a tress of false hair used to give added length or bulk to a woman's own hairstyle
7.
the tassel-like tip of the tail of cattle and certain other animals
8.
any of various card games in which the suit is changed during play
9. US and Canadian
a railway siding
10. US and Canadian
a railway point
11. Australian informal switchboard
verb
12.
to shift, change, turn aside, or change the direction of (something)
13.
to exchange (places); replace (something by something else)
the battalions switched fronts
14. mainly US and Canadian
to transfer (rolling stock) from one railway track to another
15. (transitive)
to cause (an electric current) to start or stop flowing or to change its path by operating a switch
16.
to swing or cause to swing, esp back and forth
17. (transitive)
to lash or whip with or as if with a switch
Derived forms
switcher (ˈswitcher)
noun
switchlike (ˈswitchˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch branch, twig
switch in American English
(swɪtʃ)
noun
1.
a thin, flexible twig, rod, stick, etc., esp. one used for whipping
2.
the bushy part of the tail in some animals, as the cow
3.
a separate tress or plait of natural or synthetic hair bound at one end and used by women as part of a coiffure
4.
an abrupt, sharp, lashing movement, as with a switch
5.
a device that controls the flow of current in an electric circuit, esp. by turning the current on or off or diverting it to a particular part of the circuit
6.
a.
a movable section of railroad track used in transferring a train from one set of tracks to another
b. US
siding (sense 2)
7.
a shift or transference, esp. if sudden or unexpected
verb transitive
8.
to whip or beat with or as with a switch
9.
to jerk or swing sharply; lash
a cow switching its tail
10.
to shift; transfer; change; turn aside; divert
11.
a.
to operate the switch of (an electric circuit) so as to connect, disconnect, or divert
b.
to turn (an electric light or appliance) on or off in this way
12. US
to transfer (a railroad train or car) from one set of tracks to another by use of a switch; shunt
13.
to change or exchange
to switch places
verb intransitive
14. US
to move from or as from one set of tracks to another
15.
to shift; transfer; change
16.
to swing sharply; lash
Derived forms
switcher (ˈswitcher)
noun
Word origin
Early ModE swits, prob. < MDu or LowG, as in MDu swick, a whip, akin to ON sveigr, flexible stalk: for IE base see swoop
switch in Electrical Engineering1
(swɪtʃ)
Word forms: (plural) switches
noun
(Electrical engineering: Circuits, Electrical power, Computing and control)
A switch is a mechanical, electrical, electronic, or optical device for opening or closinga circuit or for diverting energy from one part of a circuit to another.
In most cases, all the switches in the breaker box will be set to the on position.
A switch is provided for selecting one or the other of the gain control signals to be fedback to the luminance signal amplifier to control the gain.
A switch is a mechanical, electrical, electronic, or optical device for opening or closinga circuit or for diverting energy from one part of a circuit to another.
switch in Electrical Engineering2
(swɪtʃ)
Word forms: (present) switches, (past) switched, (perfect) switched, (progressive) switching
verb
(Electrical engineering: Circuits, Electrical power, Computing and control)
If you switch an electric current on or off, you cause it to start or stop flowing or to change its path by operating a switch.
The static bypass switch can be used to switch from one source to another without interruption in the supplyof power.
When the current in a circuit is switched off, the induced magnetic field begins to collapse.
If you switch an electric current on or off, you cause it to start or stop flowing or to changeits path by operating a switch.
Examples of 'switch' in a sentence
switch
We were in control but switched off and it gave them the lift they needed.
The Sun (2014)
The door switches are better protected and so less likely to be at fault.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You reach for the bedside switch to turn off the lights.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You switch the light off at night and you have ten hours on your own.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The best route to cheaper energy is to switch supplier using the websites which make it simple.
The Sun (2015)
Attention is now switching to its possible role in treatment.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Opening a switch stops the flow of electricity.
Pressley, Michael & McCormick, Christine Advanced Educational Psychology For Educators, Researchers and Policymakers, (1995)
There have been more switches of direction than in a slalom race.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You have a right to switch back within a year.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The switch from coal to gas has led to less carbon dioxide being given off.
The Sun (2009)
When the front line switched to acoustic instruments the music finally began to breathe.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Wives could divorce husbands for switching their device off.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
We switched off for one minute but we can stay up.
The Sun (2012)
You will not need to switch or change the card.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Now light switches and door handles could be replaced with the metal and alloys such as brass.
The Sun (2015)
Something in their unconscious has flicked a switch to turn on symptoms that mimic serious illnesses.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The door is locked and the lights are switched out.
Christianity Today (2000)
At trick four West switches to a passive club and you win in hand.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
And six out of ten use smartphones before switching out the lights, which can lead to poor quality sleep.
The Sun (2015)
Switch accounts and use cash Isas.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Everyone knew the basis for the switch; given the intensity of the battle, it was likely to be decided by one kick.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Word lists with
switch
card games
In other languages
switch
British English: switch /swɪtʃ/ NOUN
A switch is a small control for an electrical device which you use to turn the device on or off.
...a light switch.
American English: switch
Arabic: مِفْتَاحٌ كَهْرَبائِيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: interruptor
Chinese: 开关
Croatian: prekidač
Czech: vypínač
Danish: kontakt elkontakt
Dutch: schakelaar
European Spanish: interruptor
Finnish: katkaisija
French: bouton appareil
German: Schalter
Greek: διακόπτης
Italian: interruttore
Japanese: スイッチ
Korean: 스위치
Norwegian: bryter elektrisk
Polish: przełącznik
European Portuguese: interruptor
Romanian: întrerupător
Russian: выключатель
Latin American Spanish: interruptor
Swedish: strömbrytare
Thai: สวิตช์ปิด/เปิดไฟ
Turkish: elektrik düğmesi
Ukrainian: вимикач
Vietnamese: công tắc
British English: switch /swɪtʃ/ VERB
If you switch to something different, for example to a different system, task, or subject of conversation, you change to it from what you were doing or saying before.
Companies are switching to cleaner fuels.
American English: switch
Arabic: يَتَـحَوَّلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: trocar
Chinese: 转变
Croatian: naglo promijeniti
Czech: přejít změnit téma, systém apod.
Danish: skifte
Dutch: overstappen
European Spanish: cambiar intercambiar
Finnish: vaihtaa
French: changer
German: wechseln
Greek: εκτρέπω
Italian: cambiare
Japanese: 変える
Korean: 바꾸다
Norwegian: skifte
Polish: przełączyć
European Portuguese: trocar
Romanian: a schimba
Russian: переключать
Latin American Spanish: cambiar
Swedish: byta
Thai: เปลี่ยน
Turkish: geçmek
Ukrainian: змінювати
Vietnamese: chuyển
All related terms of 'switch'
switch on
If you switch on a light or other electrical device, you make it start working by operating a switch.
switch up
to alter , vary , or reverse (a pattern , routine , etc)
kill switch
a security mechanism used to shut down a device immediately in the case of an emergency
switch cane
a small bamboo ( Arundinaria tecta ) native to the SE U.S.
switch hit
to be able to bat from either side of the plate, or both as a left-handed and as a right-handed batter
switch off
If you switch off a light or other electrical device, you stop it working by operating a switch.
switch over
If you switch over when you are watching television, you change to another channel .
time switch
A time switch is a device that causes a machine to start or stop working at specific times.
trip switch
an electric switch arranged to interrupt a circuit suddenly and disconnect power from a running machine so that the machine is stopped
dimmer switch
A dimmer switch is an electrical switch which turns off the full beam of a headlamp and turns on the low beam.
knife switch
an electric switch in which a flat metal blade , hinged at one end, is pushed between fixed contacts
light switch
a switch the turns a light on and off
master switch
a switch that can be used to turn on or off the supply of electricity to a building or to certain equipment
switch focus
The focus of something is the main topic or main thing that it is concerned with.
switch grass
a type of tall panic grass ( Panicum virgatum ), usually found in the North American prairie and used for fodder or as an ornamental
switch-hitter
a batsman who can hit either right- or left-handed
toggle switch
an electric switch having a projecting lever that is manipulated in a particular way to open or close a circuit
ignition switch
(on a vehicle) the part that sets the process of ignition in motion once the ignition key is turned; also a button used for the same purpose
mercury switch
a switch in which a circuit is completed between two terminals by liquid mercury when the switch is tilted
solenoid switch
A solenoid switch is an electrical switch that is often used where a high current circuit , such as a starter motor circuit, is brought into operation by a low current switch.
switch selling
a system of selling, now illegal in Britain, whereby potential customers are attracted by a special offer on some goods but the seller's real aim is to sell other more expensive goods instead
tumbler switch
a switch that is turned over to connect or disconnect an electric current
cut-off switch
a switch that cuts off the supply of electricity
on-off switch
a switch or button (on an electrical appliance , etc) which has an 'on' position and an 'off' position
trip a switch
to activate (a mechanical trip )
bait-and-switch
of, related to, or employing an illegal or unethical sales technique in which a seller lures customers by advertising an often nonexistent item at a bargain price and then attempts to switch their attention to more expensive items
reset button
a button on a computer that clears the computer's memory and causes it to reboot
Chinese translation of 'switch'
switch
(swɪtʃ)
n(c)
(for light, radio etc) 开(開)关(關) (kāiguān) (个(個), gè)
(= change) 转(轉)变(變) (zhuǎnbiàn)
vt
(= change) 改变(變) (gǎibiàn)
(= exchange) 调(調)换(換) (diàohuàn)
vi
(= change) 转(轉)变(變) (zhuǎnbiàn)
to switch two things round or over交换(換)两(兩)样(樣)东(東)西的位置 (jiāohuàn liǎng yàng dōngxi de wèizhì)
All related terms of 'switch'
switch on
( light, engine, radio ) 开(開)启(啟) kāiqǐ
switch off
( light, engine, radio ) 关(關)掉 guāndiào
at the press of a switch
按了开(開)关(關)后(後) ànle kāiguān hòu
to switch two things round or over
交换(換)两(兩)样(樣)东(東)西的位置 jiāohuàn liǎng yàng dōngxi de wèizhì
to turn or switch the light on/off
开(開)/关(關)灯(燈) kāi/guān dēng
1 (noun)
Definition
a device for opening or closing an electric circuit
a light switch
Synonyms
control
She adjusted the temperature control.
button
He pressed the `play' button.
lever
on/off device
2 (noun)
Definition
a sudden quick change
New technology made the switch to oil possible.
Synonyms
change
They are going to have to make some drastic changes.
shift
a shift in policy
transition
a period of transition
conversion
the conversion of disused rail lines into cycle routes
reversal
a strange role reversal
alteration
Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter.
about-turn
The decision was seen as an about-turn for the government.
change of direction
3 (noun)
Definition
an exchange or swap
Synonyms
exchange
a free exchange of information
swap
If she ever fancies a job swap, I could be interested.
substitution
last-minute substitutions
1 (verb)
Definition
to change quickly and suddenly
I'm switching to a new gas supplier.
Synonyms
change
We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes.
shift
The wind shifted and the helicopter lurched.
convert
a handy table which converts into an ironing board
divert
A new bypass will divert traffic from the A13.
deviate
change course
2 (verb)
Definition
to exchange (places) or swap (something for something else)
The ballot boxes have been switched.
Synonyms
exchange
We exchanged addresses.
trade
They traded land for goods and money.
swap
Some hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners.
replace
Replace that liquid with salt, sugar and water.
substitute
They were substituting violence for dialogue.
rearrange
interchange
She likes to interchange furniture at home with stock from the shop.
Phrasal verbs
See switch off
See switch something off
See switch something on
Additional synonyms
in the sense of about-turn
Definition
a reversal of the direction in which one is facing
The decision was seen as an about-turn for the government.
Synonyms
change of direction,
reverse,
reversal,
turnaround,
U-turn,
right about (turn),
about-face,
volte-face,
turnabout,
paradigm shift
in the sense of alteration
Definition
a change or modification
Making some simple alterations to your diet will make you feel fitter.
Synonyms
change,
adjustment,
shift,
amendment,
conversion,
modification
in the sense of button
Definition
a small disc that operates a door bell or machine when pressed
He pressed the `play' button.
Synonyms
switch,
control,
key,
handle,
lever,
knob
Synonyms of 'switch'
switch
Explore 'switch' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of conversion
Definition
a change or adaptation
the conversion of disused rail lines into cycle routes
Synonyms
change,
transformation,
metamorphosis,
transfiguration,
transmutation,
transmogrification (humorous)
in the sense of convert
Definition
to change or adapt
a handy table which converts into an ironing board
Synonyms
change,
turn,
transform,
alter,
metamorphose,
transpose,
transmute,
transmogrify (humorous)
in the sense of divert
Definition
to change the course or direction of (traffic)
A new bypass will divert traffic from the A13.
Synonyms
redirect,
switch,
avert,
deflect,
deviate,
change the course of,
sidetrack,
draw away,
turn aside,
channel away
in the sense of interchange
Definition
to change places or cause to change places
She likes to interchange furniture at home with stock from the shop.
Synonyms
exchange,
switch,
swap,
alternate,
trade,
barter,
reciprocate,
bandy
in the sense of replace
Definition
to substitute a person or thing for (another)
Replace that liquid with salt, sugar and water.
Synonyms
substitute,
change,
exchange,
switch,
swap,
commute
in the sense of reversal
a strange role reversal
Synonyms
swap,
change,
trading,
exchange,
swapping,
transposition
in the sense of shift
Definition
the act or an instance of shifting
a shift in policy
Synonyms
change,
switch,
shifting,
modification,
alteration,
displacement,
about-turn,
permutation,
fluctuation
in the sense of shift
The wind shifted and the helicopter lurched.
Synonyms
change direction,
change,
switch,
vary,
alter,
fluctuate
in the sense of substitute
Definition
to take the place of or put in place of another person or thing
They were substituting violence for dialogue.
Synonyms
replace,
exchange,
swap,
change,
switch,
commute,
interchange
in the sense of substitution
last-minute substitutions
Synonyms
replacement,
exchange,
switch,
swap,
change,
interchange
Additional synonyms
in the sense of swap
Definition
an exchange
If she ever fancies a job swap, I could be interested.
Synonyms
exchange,
trade,
switch,
interchange,
barter,
trade-off
in the sense of swap
Definition
to exchange (something) for something else
Some hostages were swapped for convicted prisoners.
Synonyms
exchange,
trade,
switch,
traffic,
interchange,
barter,
trade off
in the sense of trade
Definition
to exchange
They traded land for goods and money.
Synonyms
exchange,
switch,
swap,
barter
in the sense of transition
Definition
the process of changing from one state or stage to another