ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alternating

adj.
US //ˈɔɫtɝˌneɪtɪŋ// UK //ˈɔːltənˌeɪtɪŋ// al·ter·nat·ing
  1. 1 happening in turns (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening one after the other in a regular pattern.

    occurring in a repeating sequence where two or more things follow each other in turns.

    Example

    The pattern on the floor was made of alternating red and white tiles.

    Example

    The schedule consists of alternating shifts of day and night work to ensure the facility remains operational twenty-four hours a day.
  2. 2 electric current (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    describing an electric current that changes its direction many times every second.

    relating to an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals.

    Example

    Most wall outlets in homes provide alternating current rather than direct current.

    Example

    The development of alternating current systems allowed for the efficient long-distance transmission of electricity across the national grid.
    • AC
  3. 3 mathematical series (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    describing a list of numbers where the signs change between plus and minus.

    denoting a series in which successive terms have opposite signs, typically switching between positive and negative.

    Example

    The teacher explained how to calculate the sum of an alternating series.

    Example

    An alternating series converges if the absolute value of its terms decreases monotonically toward zero.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026