Meaning of switch in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /swɪtʃ/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    switch

    Definitions

    1. change over, change around, or switch over
  2. 2. exchange or give (something) in exchange for
  3. 3. lay aside, abandon, or leave for another

    Examples

    • « switch to a different brand of beer »
    • « She switched psychiatrists »
    • « The car changed lanes »
  4. 4. make a shift in or exchange of

    Examples

    • « First Joe led »
    • « then we switched »
  5. 5. cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation

    Examples

    • « switch on the light »
    • « throw the lever »
  6. 6. flog with or as if with a flexible rod
  7. 7. reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)

  8. Noun

    switch

    Etymology

    late 16th century (denoting a thin tapering riding whip): probably from Low German

    Definitions

    1. control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
  9. 2. an event in which one thing is substituted for another

    Examples

    • « the replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood »
  10. 3. hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair

    Examples

    • « used by women to give shape to a coiffure »
  11. 4. railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections

    Examples

    • « used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock »
  12. 5. a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
  13. 6. a basketball maneuver

    Examples

    • « two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other »
  14. 7. the act of changing one thing or position for another

    Examples

    • « his switch on abortion cost him the election »