plural switches
1
: a small device that starts or stops the flow of electricity to something (such as a lamp or a machine) when it is pressed or moved up and down
She flicked a switch and turned the lamp/lights on.
a light/dimmer switch
He threw the switch to stop the machine.
2
: a sudden change from one thing to another
—usually singular
a switch from the old way of doing things
There has been a switch in plans. [=the plans have changed]
If you're not happy in your current job, maybe it's time to make a switch (to another job).
"He says he'll do it himself." "Well, that's a switch." [=that's something unusual]
3
US
: a device for moving the rails of a track so that a train may be turned from one track to another
4
: a thin stick that can be easily bent
switches; switched; switching
1
: to make a change from one thing to another : to start doing or using something that is different
I switched to a new doctor.
He kept switching back and forth between topics.
She switched back to/from her original insurance company.
We switched over to a different telephone service.
Why did you switch jobs?
2
: to make a change from one thing to another by turning or pushing a button or moving a switch, lever, etc.
He switched (over) to a different channel.
Stop switching channels.
3
: to change or replace (something) with another thing
They switched places/positions/roles/sides.
He switched (around) his last two appointments.
(US) He is going to switch (shifts) with me Monday. [=he will work my shift and I will work his shift on Monday]
Cite this Entry
“Switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/switch. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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