switch

noun

\ ˈswich

plural switches

Definition of switch

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a slender flexible whip, rod, or twig a riding switch

2 : an act of switching: such 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 (such 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

5a : a device for making, breaking, or changing the connections in an electrical circuit

b : a software icon that is used to select between one of usually two available states Tap Edit and then toggle the switch next to each supported service to the appropriate setting.— Jason Cipriani Other features … include: … A software switch that lets you change the side button's function to be either volume mute or orientation lock.— Matt Rosoff

6 : a heavy strand of hair used in addition to a person's own hair for some coiffures

switch

verb

switched; switching; switches

Definition of switch (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to strike or beat with or as if with a switch

2 : whisk, lash a cat switching its tail

3a(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

4a : to shift to another electrical circuit by means of a switch

b(1) : to operate an electrical switch so as to turn (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

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Examples of switch in a Sentence

Noun

She flicked a switch and turned the lamp on. He threw the switch to stop the machine.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Davis, who was called up from Triple-A Sacramento after hitting 35 homers in the minors, played right field and went 1-for-3 — his first at-bat produced his first hit, an infield single — before exiting in a double switch. — John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Giants outslug Cards 9-8, Jaylin Davis debuts on wild night in St. Louis," 5 Sep. 2019 Bell: Converted to defensive end after playing wide receiver while in college at Prairie View A&M, Bell (6-foot-4, 253 pounds) is remaking himself as an edge rusher and has displayed raw ability in that switch. — Jerry Mcdonald, The Mercury News, "Raiders bring back seven to practice squad, three newcomers," 2 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'switch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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switch

Definition of switch

Other Words from switch

Synonyms for switch

Examples of switch in a Sentence

First Known Use of switch

History and Etymology for switch

switch

Definition of switch

Other Words from switch

Synonyms for switch

Examples of switch in a Sentence

First Known Use of switch

History and Etymology for switch

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