switchboard

noun

switch·​board ˈswich-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce switchboard (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The district posts closure notifications on its website, Facebook, X and its main switchboard voicemail at 817-547-5700. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026 Apparently, during World War II, when a number of European monarchs were living in exile in London, people would ring up the hotel’s switchboard and ask to be put through to the king. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026 All three plans will also include four 400kw Alpitronic HYC400 Chargers, one utility Transformer and one 4000A BUS, 2000A MCB switchboard, according to city records. Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026 Though the crew was required to periodically inspect the ship's switchboard, investigators said the instructions don't provide practical guidance for checking the thousands of wires and doing so by hand would be difficult and extremely labor intensive. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for switchboard

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchboard was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Switchboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchboard. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

switchboard

noun
switch·​board -ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce switchboard (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on switchboard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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