Switzerland

American  

[swit-ser-luhnd] / ˈswɪt sər lənd /

noun

1. a republic in central Europe. 15,944 sq. mi. (41,294 sq. km). Bern.

---

Switzerland British  

/ ˈswɪtsələnd /

noun

1. Latin name: Helvetia.  German name: Schweiz.  Italian name: Svizzera.  French name: Suisse.  a federal republic in W central Europe: the cantons of Schwyz, Uri, and Unterwalden formed a defensive league against the Hapsburgs in 1291, later joined by other cantons; gained independence in 1499; adopted a policy of permanent neutrality from 1516; a leading centre of the Reformation in the 16th century. It lies in the Jura Mountains and the Alps, with a plateau between the two ranges. Official languages: German, French, and Italian; Romansch minority. Religion: mostly Protestant and Roman Catholic. Currency: Swiss franc. Capital: Bern. Pop: 7 996 026 (2013 est). Area: 41 288 sq km (15 941 sq miles)

---

Switzerland Cultural  

1. Republic in central Europe, bordered by France to the west, Germany to the north, Liechtenstein and Austria to the east, and Italy to the east and south. Its capital is Bern, and its largest city is Zurich.

---

Discover More

It is famous for its watchmaking industry and its milk chocolate.

Known for its strict neutrality, Switzerland maintained armed neutrality in both World War I and World War II.

Swiss banks allow depositors to be identified by a number known only to the depositor and a few bank officials; private fortunes can therefore be kept secret.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Switzerland

A reader traveling in Europe says he was surprised to find a $60 charge for returning his car 2 ½ hours early in Switzerland.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

Alongside the win over Egypt, Argentina needed extra time in the last-32 to beat Cape Verde and again in the quarter-finals to defeat 10-man Switzerland.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Switzerland is not a member of either bloc.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

The Swiss competition authority announced Tuesday it had opened a preliminary investigation into Google's removal of the "choice screen" feature on Android devices in Switzerland.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

And now Mr. Pomodoro says he is opening an international school right here, in Switzerland, and she thinks the whole world is looloo.

From "The Unfinished Angel" by Sharon Creech