switchboard

noun

switch·​board ˈswich-ˌbȯrd 

: an apparatus (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled

Examples of switchboard in a Sentence

She used to work as a switchboard operator.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, in 2015 and 2016, hackers used existing weaknesses in Ukrainian electrical equipment to cause blackouts, including by controlling switchboards and circuit breakers. — IEEE Spectrum, 19 Oct. 2026

The result sounds like being trapped inside a telephone switchboard, full of repeating signals, samples, and scraps. — Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

For 22 years, Bryant also served as acting supervisor for the center's switchboard, on top of her regular duties, often without extra pay. — Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026

Investigators say a loose wire in a switchboard likely caused the first power loss that led to its steering failure. — ABC News, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for switchboard

• abhorred
• aboard
• accord
• adored
• afford
• award
• baseboard
• billboard
• blackboard
• boxboard
• breadboard
• broadsword

Kids Definition

switchboard

noun

switch·​board -ˌbō(ə)rd 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

: a device (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled