toggle

verb

toggled; toggling ˈtä-g(ə-)liŋ  ; toggles

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a toggle

2

: to furnish with a toggle

3

: to switch between two different options for (something, such as a computer setting) usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination

toggle the sound on a computer off and on

intransitive verb

: to switch between usually two different options, states, or activities : alternate, cycle

Prevent bad habits by intervening when kids toggle between texting and studying …

—Phyllis Fagell

The brain continues to toggle back and forth between non-REM and REM sleep throughout the night, once every hour and a half.

—Alice Park et al.

specifically : to change between usually two options of an electronic device by means of a simple hardware or software control (such as a button, a switch, or a combination of keys)

You also get … an icon that lets you toggle between keyboard and gamepad controls.

—Ian Paul

Users can toggle between these three views at any time, offering a more customizable way to consume the content on the site.

—Arielle Pardes

… a prompt asks for permission to access the front-facing camera. As with any app, this permission can be toggled on or off …

—Joe Rossignol

Using the steering wheel, you can toggle through various layouts including navigation, trip computer, audio, driver's assistance features, and a tachometer.

—Benjamin Zhang

Examples of toggle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to Swalwell, Democrats toggled between former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire Tom Steyer. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

There are links at the bottom of the page to toggle between vote center and drop box locations. —Linh Tat, Daily News, 23 May 2026

Tony Vlachos became one of the most successful players ever, winning seasons 28 and 40, by figuring out how to toggle between the manipulation and authenticity. —Shaan Merchant, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026

In 2025, Google rolled out AI Mode, an advanced search engine users can toggle to for a more conversational experience, similar to AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Claude. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing toggle

• toggle bolt
• toggle switch

Rhymes for toggle

• goggle
• moghul

Kids Definition

toggle

1 of 2 noun

tog·​gle ˈtäg-əl 

: a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in a rope, chain, or belt to prevent slipping or to serve as a fastening or as a grip for tightening

used a stick as a toggle in tightening a rope

toggle

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a toggle

2

: to furnish with a toggle

3

: to switch between two options especially of an electronic device usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination