switch
switch Lexical Profile
switch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An electrical component or device used to make, break, or divert the current in an electrical circuit.
"She flipped the light switch before walking down the dark hallway."
An act of changing, shifting, or adopting one thing in place of another.
"The sudden switch in corporate leadership left many employees feeling uncertain about the future."
A slender, flexible shoot, rod, or twig typically cut from a tree and used for whipping or brushing.
"The equestrian used a small switch to gently guide the horse's movements."
• verb
To change, shift, or divert the position, direction, or focus of something.
"We decided to switch our strategy halfway through the marketing campaign to target a younger audience."
To exchange or replace one thing, person, or course of action with another.
"The twins tried to switch places in class to see if the teacher would notice."
To strike, lash, or whip someone or something with a slender, flexible rod or twig.
"The cow used its tail to switch the annoying flies away from its back."
• Rhymes for switch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originates from the 1590s meaning 'a slender riding whip', likely from Middle Dutch 'swijch' (bough, twig) or a similar Low German source. The mechanical sense emerged in the late 18th century, and the meaning 'to shift or turn' developed in the mid-19th century initially in reference to railway tracks.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.