switch

//swɪtʃ//
B1Frequency Level 7Neutral
Visual representation of switch

Noun

switchSingular
switchesPlural
1

A device for making and breaking an electrical connection, typically operated by pressing or flipping.

Press the switch to turn on the light.

2

A change or exchange from one thing to another.

The switch to renewable energy will take several years.

3

A slender flexible rod or twig, especially one used for whipping or punishment.

The teacher threatened to use a switch on the misbehaving students.

4

A device used to direct trains from one track to another.

The train operator changed the switch to direct the train onto the side track.

Verb

switchPresent tense
switchedPast tense
switchedPast participle
switchingPresent participle
switchesThird-person singular
1

To change from one thing to another; to exchange or substitute.

I switched from coffee to tea.

2

To turn an electrical device on or off by operating a switch.

She switched off the lights before leaving the room.

3

To strike with a switch or flexible rod.

The farmer switched the horse to make it move faster.