Definition of switch - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
flip overtr./intr. change to a different state or conditiontr./intr.
- She switched the light off before leaving.
2.
actionstr./intr. change from one thing to anothertr./intr.
- She decided to switch from coffee to tea..
3.
generaltr./intr. exchange one thing for anothertr./intr.
- They decided to switch seats for a better view.
4.
physicaltr. Dated US whip or hit with a flexible rodtr. Dated US
- He was switched for misbehaving at school.
Noun
1.
electrical deviceTECH. device for turning on or off or directing electricityTECH.
- She flipped the switch to light the room..
2.
transitionact of changing to something different
- The switch from paper to digital was seamless..
3.
transportationTECH. railroad track mechanism that allows trains to change tracksTECH.
- The train waited for the switch to be completed before proceeding..
4.
gamecard game where the suit changes during play
- We played switch all evening.
5.
network hubTECH. networking device connecting multiple wiresTECH.
- The switch improved the network's efficiency.
6.
hairpiecetress of false hair for added length
- She wore a switch to enhance her hairstyle.
7.
biologyTECH. mechanism within DNA that activates a geneTECH.
- The genetic switch controls the trait expression.
8.
punishmentDated US flexible rod used for punishmentDated US
- He was disciplined with a switch.
9.
BDSMRare one who takes either a submissive or dominant roleRare
- She identifies as a switch in her relationships.
Images of switch
device for turning on or off or directing electricity 
railroad track mechanism that allows trains to change tracks 
networking device connecting multiple wires 
tress of false hair for added length 
flexible rod used for punishment
Expressions with switch
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
turn off a device or light using a switch
She reached over to switch off the lamp..
activate a device or system using a switch
She switched on the lights as she entered the room..
move from one task to another
I need to switch over to the next project.
change from one sports team to another
He decided to switch teams after the season ended.
immediately when a switch is activated
The lights turn on at the touch of a switch.
start acting in a very charming way to impress
He decided to switch on the charm during the interview.
not attentive or alert to a duty
The guard was asleep at the switch during the robbery.
not paying attention to duties or responsibilities
The manager was sleeping at the switch during the crucial meeting.
change the positions of objects or people
They decided to switch around the furniture in the room.
adjust speed or intensity in a task
He switched gears to finish the project faster.
start doing tasks automatically without thinking
After years of practice, she switched onto autopilot at work.
replace one thing with another
I need to switch out the old battery for a new one.
change something to make it different
He decided to switch up his routine for more variety..
sales tactic luring customers to pricier items
The store's bait and switch tactic frustrated many customers.
change approach or method
The company decided to switch tack to improve sales.
trigger an event or reaction
The alarm tripped the switch, alerting everyone to the danger.
increase effort or speed significantly
In the final lap, she switched on the afterburners and won the race.
device to adjust light intensity
He turned the dimmer switch to create a romantic ambiance..
device for turning electricity on or off
He flipped the electric switch to turn on the lights.
activate or deactivate a device
She flipped the switch to turn on the lights.
device controlling lights in buildings
She flicked the light switch to brighten the room.
primary control that turns an entire system or power supply on or off
Turn off the main switch before repairing any wiring.
switch that controls the power state of a device
He flicked the on-off switch to start the machine.
exchange positions or roles with someone
The two friends decided to switch places for a day.
Origin of switch
Middle English, swicchen (to move) + Old English, swican (to escape)
Terms with switch included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
switch
having an on position and an off position
job switch
the act of switching to a different job or profession
driving
switch from one gear to another
role
switch roles or situations
loyalty
switch allegiance or support from one group to another
television
switch from one TV channel to another
conversation
switch to a different subject
turning on device
switch something on quickly with a small movement
switch sides
exchange positions with someone else
technology
control key or switch that activates a specific feature or operation
technology
control switch that ends a running action when pressed or clicked
technology
switch a device on or off quickly
technology
activate a mechanism or switch
communication
phone service alerting and letting you switch to another call
strategy
switch approach or strategy in a situation
change method
switch from one way of doing things to another
transition
switch from one system to another
car headlamps
switch for changing car headlamp beams
switch off
turn off by a quick small movement
control switch
round switch on machinery or equipment
mechanics
depress a button or switch
relationship
situation where two people switch their usual roles
roles
to switch positions or functions with someone
automobiles
switch car headlights to a lower beam
Examples of switch in a sentence
They switched the conversation to a lighter topic. He decided to switch his major from physics to chemistry. They will switch the meeting time to 3 PM. He decided to switch his old phone for a new one. They will switch roles for the next performance. The farmer switched the horse to make it run faster.
She switched the branches to clear the path. The switch controls the ceiling fan. He installed a new switch for the outdoor lights. The switch to remote work was challenging. She made a switch in her career path. The engineer checked the switch for any faults. A malfunction in the switch caused a delay. Switch is my favorite card game to play with friends. He taught us how to play switch last weekend. The IT team installed a new switch in the server room. A faulty switch caused the network outage. The actress used a switch for her role in the play. She bought a switch to match her natural hair color. Scientists study the switch to understand gene regulation. A malfunction in the switch can lead to diseases. The switch was used as a last resort for discipline. She dreaded the sight of the switch in her father's hand. He enjoys being a switch in different scenarios. As a switch, he adapts to his partner's needs.
View all translations of switch
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:changer, interrupteur, ...
- German:schalten, Schalter, ...
- Italian:cambiare, interruttore, ...
- Spanish:cambiar, interruptor, ...
- Portuguese:mudar, interruptor, ...
- Chinese:切换, 开关, ...
- Japanese:切り替える, スイッチ, ...
- Arabic:غَيَّرَ, مِفْتاح, ...
- Hebrew:לְכַבּוֹת, מֶתֶג, ...
- Russian:переключать, выключатель, ...
- Ukrainian:перемикати, вимикач, ...
- Hindi:बंद करना, स्विच, ...
icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.
icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.
icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the