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switch

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈswɪtʃ// UK //swˈɪtʃ// switch
  1. 1 electrical device (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small button or lever that you move to turn a light or machine on or off.

    a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.

    Example

    He flipped the light switch as soon as he walked into the dark room.

    Example

    The technician replaced the faulty wall switch to ensure the overhead lighting operated reliably during the presentation.
  2. 2 a change or swap (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a change from one thing to another, or an exchange of positions.

    an act of changing or swapping one thing for another, often involving a complete substitution.

    Example

    The sudden switch in the weather caught the hikers without their rain coats.

    Example

    The company's strategic switch from hardware to software services proved to be a turning point for its annual revenue.
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  1. 3 computing/networking (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a device that connects computers in a network; also a command in programming.

    a high-speed networking device that forwards data only to the specific destination port; also a programming construct for multi-way branching.

    Example

    We need a new network switch to connect all the office computers to the internet.

    Example

    The developer implemented a switch statement to handle the various user input cases more efficiently than a long chain of conditional blocks.
  2. 4 railway track (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English

    a section of tracks that can move to send a train onto a different line.

    a mechanism consisting of a pair of linked tapering rails that allows trains to be guided from one track to another.

    Example

    The train slowed down as it passed over the switch to enter the station.

    Example

    The signalman manually operated the switch to divert the freight train onto the siding, allowing the express service to pass.
  3. 5 to swap or change (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to change from one thing to another, or to trade places with someone.

    to change or substitute one item, person, or state for another. Often used with 'over' or 'to'.

    Example

    Can we switch seats so I can sit next to the window?

    Example

    Many consumers decided to switch to renewable energy providers following the recent increase in fossil fuel prices.
  4. 6 to operate a control (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to turn something on or off using a button or lever.

    to change the state of an appliance or circuit by operating a switch. Usually followed by 'on' or 'off'.

    Example

    Remember to switch off the computer before you leave the office.

    Example

    The automated system is programmed to switch on the external security lights at dusk and deactivate them at dawn.
  5. 7 backwards stance (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Sport

    riding a board or skis in the opposite direction of your normal style.

    referring to a stance or movement performed in the opposite direction to one's natural orientation.

    Example

    The snowboarder landed a switch trick perfectly during the competition.

    Example

    Mastering the switch landing is essential for professional freestyle skiers who wish to compete at the highest international levels.
Origin

Perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch (“twig”), first attested in c. 1592. The mechanical device for altering the direction of something sense is first attested in c. 1797, pertaining to pivoted rails on minecart railways, which were once wooden.

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