/ swɪtʃ; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a small device that you press or move up and down in order to turn a light or piece of electrical equipment on and off :
a light switch
an on-off switch
That was in the days before electricity was available at the flick of a switch .
Which switch do I press to turn it off?
to throw a switch (= to move a large switch)
2.
switch (in / of sth) | switch (from A to B) a change from one thing to another, especially when this is sudden and complete :
a switch of priorities
She made the switch from full-time to part-time work when her first child was born.
a policy switch
3.
( NAmE ) the points on a railway / railroad line
4.
a thin stick that bends easily :
a riding switch
■ verb
1.
switch (sth) (over) (from sth) (to sth) | switch (between A and B) to change or make sth change from one thing to another :
[ v ]
We're in the process of switching over to a new system of invoicing.
Press these two keys to switch between documents on screen.
[ vn ]
When did you switch jobs?
2.
[ vn ] switch sth (with sth) | switch sth (over / around / round) to exchange one thing for another
SYN swap :
The dates of the last two exams have been switched.
I see you've switched the furniture around (= changed its position) .
Do you think she'll notice if I switch my glass with hers?
3.
switch (sth) (with sb) | switch (sth) (over / around / round) to do sb else's job for a short time or work during different hours so that they can do your job or work during your usual hours
SYN swap :
[ v ]
I can't work next weekend—will you switch with me?
[ vn ]
Have you been able to switch your shift with anyone?
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- switch off
- switch off / on | switch sth off / on
- switch over | switch sth over
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (denoting a thin tapering riding whip): probably from Low German .