First Known Use: 1592
Dictionary
1switch
noun \ˈswich\
: 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
: a sudden change from one thing to another
: a device for moving the rails of a track so that a train may be turned from one track to another
Full Definition of SWITCH
1
: a slender flexible whip, rod, or twig <a riding switch>
2
: an act of switching: as a : a blow with a switch b : a shift from one to another c : a change from the usual <that outfit is a switch>
3
: a tuft of long hairs at the end of the tail of an animal (as a cow) — see cow illustration
4
: a device made usually of two movable rails and necessary connections and designed to turn a locomotive or train from one track to another
5
: a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit
6
: a heavy strand of hair used in addition to a person's own hair for some coiffures
See switch defined for English-language learners
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Origin of SWITCH
perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch twig
2switch
verb
: to make a change from one thing to another : to start doing or using something that is different
: to make a change from one thing to another by turning or pushing a button or moving a switch, lever, etc.
: to change or replace (something) with another thing
Full Definition of SWITCH
transitive verb1
: to strike or beat with or as if with a switch
3
a (1) : to turn from one railroad track to another : shunt (2) : to move (cars) to different positions on the same track within terminal areas b : to make a shift in or exchange of <switch seats>
4
a : to shift to another electrical circuit by means of a switch b (1) : to operate an electrical switch so as to turn (as a device) on or off —usually used with on or off (2) : to change to or from an active state —usually used with on or off <switched on the gene>
intransitive verb
1
: to lash from side to side
2
: to make a shift or exchange
— switch·able \ˈswi-chə-bəl\ adjective
— switch·er noun
See switch defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWITCH
circa 1611
SWITCHES Defined for Kids
1switch
noun \ˈswich\
Definition of SWITCH for Kids
1
: a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit
2
: a change from one thing to another <a switch in plans>
3
: a narrow flexible whip, rod, or twig
4
: an act of switching
5
: a device for adjusting the rails of a track so that a train or streetcar may be turned from one track to another
2switch
verb
switchedswitch·ing
Definition of SWITCH for Kids
1
: to turn, shift, or change by operating a device that makes, breaks, or changes the connections in an electrical circuit <Remember to switch off the light.>
2
: to move quickly from side to side <The cow was switching its tail.>
3
: to make a shift or change <He switched to a new barber.>
4
: to strike with or as if with a whip, rod, or twig
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