switch

A small control that you press or move to turn a light or machine on or off.

• The switch is beside the door.
• Press this switch to start the machine.
• I couldn’t find the light switch in the dark.

Common phrases: light switch, power switch, press the switch, electric switch

A change from one thing, activity, or situation to another.

• The switch was surprisingly easy.
• She made the switch to a different bank.
• Their sudden switch from comedy to serious discussion surprised everyone.

How to use it: a switch from something to something (The switch from gas to electricity saved us money.)

Similar words: change, transition

Common phrases: make the switch, sudden switch, switch to something

A device that connects computers and sends information to the correct device on a network.

• Connect the cable to the switch.
• The office needs a switch with more ports.
• This switch sends each packet to the right computer.

Similar words: network switch

Common phrases: network switch, ethernet switch, switch ports

A movable part of railway track that directs a train onto one of two tracks.

• The train passed over the switch.
• A broken switch delayed several trains.
• The worker moved the switch to direct the train onto another track.

Similar words: points

Common phrases: railroad switch, track switch, switch lever

A thin, flexible stick, often used in the past to hit someone as punishment.

• He cut a switch from the tree.
• The old story describes children being punished with a switch.
• She carried a thin switch made from a willow branch.

Similar words: stick, rod

Common phrases: willow switch, thin switch, cut a switch

To replace something with something else or change from one thing to another.

• Let’s switch seats.
• He switched jobs last year.
• Could you switch this ticket for an earlier train?

How to use it: switch from something to something (She switched from coffee to tea.); switch something for something (He switched his old phone for a newer model.)

Similar words: change, exchange, swap

Common phrases: switch channels, switch seats, switch jobs

To make a light or machine start working by using its power control.

• Please switch on the light.
• She switched the radio on.
• Have you switched on the heater yet?

How to use it: switch something on / switch on something (Switch the lamp on when it gets dark.)

Similar words: turn on

Opposites: switch off

Common phrases: switch on, switch something on, switch on something

To make a light or machine stop working by using its power control.

• Switch off the light, please.
• I switched my computer off after work.
• Did you remember to switch off the oven?

How to use it: switch something off / switch off something (Please switch the television off before you leave.)

Similar words: turn off

Opposites: switch on

Common phrases: switch off, switch something off, switch off something