# switchboard

/ˈswɪtʃˌbɔɹd/ (US) · /swˈɪtʃbɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/switchboard
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a piece of equipment that connects telephone calls or electrical circuits. In a hospital or office, it is the central point where you call for help or information.

For teachers: a central point of connection for electrical circuits or telephone lines. In a medical or administrative context, it refers to the central station for receiving and directing calls or emergency requests.

## Examples

- Please call the switchboard for help with your room key.
- The nurse called the switchboard to request an immediate transfer to the intensive care unit.
- Modern digital systems have largely replaced the manual switchboard, though the term remains in common use to describe the central hub of a hospital's communication network.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.