switch
8 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
switches
plural
switches
Britannica Dictionary definition of SWITCH
[count]
1
:
a small device that starts or stops the flow of electricity to something (such as a lamp or a machine) when it is pressed or moved up and down
—
see also dip switch, toggle switch
-
She flicked a switch and turned the lamp/lights on.
-
a light/dimmer switch
-
He threw the switch to stop the machine.
2
:
a sudden change from one thing to another
— usually singular
—
see also bait and switch
-
a switch from the old way of doing things
-
There has been a switch in plans. [=the plans have changed]
-
If you're not happy in your current job, maybe it's time to make a switch (to another job).
-
“He says he'll do it himself.” “Well, that's a switch.” [=that's something unusual]
3
US
:
a device for moving the rails of a track so that a train may be turned from one track to another
4
:
a thin stick that can be easily bent
2
switch
/ˈswɪtʃ/
verb
switches;
switched;
switching
2
switch
/ˈswɪtʃ/
verb
switches;
switched;
switching
Britannica Dictionary definition of SWITCH
1
:
to make a change from one thing to another
:
to start doing or using something that is different
[no object]
-
I switched to a new doctor.
-
He kept switching back and forth between topics.
-
She switched back to/from her original insurance company.
-
We switched over to a different telephone service.
[+ object]
-
Why did you switch jobs?
2
:
to make a change from one thing to another by turning or pushing a button or moving a switch, lever, etc.
[no object]
-
He switched (over) to a different channel.
[+ object]
-
Stop switching channels.
3
[+ object]
:
to change or replace (something) with another thing
-
They switched places/positions/roles/sides.
-
He switched (around) his last two appointments.
-
(US) He is going to switch (shifts) with me Monday. [=he will work my shift and I will work his shift on Monday]
switch gears
switch off
[phrasal verb]
1
switch (something) off
or
switch off (something)
:
to turn off (something) by turning or pushing a button or moving a switch, lever, etc.
-
He switched off the light/lamp.
2
informal
:
to stop paying attention
-
When the topic turned to the stock market, he switched off. [=tuned out]
switch on
[phrasal verb]
switch (something) on
or
switch on (something)
:
to turn on (something) by turning or pushing a button or moving a switch, lever, etc.
-
I switched on the TV and watched the news.
