switch-on
noun
the act or process of switching on an ignition, light, appliance, etc.
switch-on
American
[swich-on, -awn]
/ ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /
noun
switch on
British
verb
-
to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on
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informal (tr) to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically
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informal (tr) (now slightly dated) to make up-to-date, esp regarding outlook, dress, etc
-
slang (tr) to arouse emotionally or sexually
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slang (intr) to take or become intoxicated by drugs
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slang (tr) to introduce (someone) to drugs
switch on
Idioms
Etymology
Origin of switch-on
Noun use of verb phrase switch on
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The council said Christmas switch-on events would take place in Halesowen on 15 November, in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge on 22 November, in Sedgley on 23 November and in Dudley on 6 December.
From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2025
She said the switch-on fun would also feature fireworks and refreshments.
From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2024
About 200 people are expected to attend a lights switch-on from 18:30 GMT in which the tree will glow with 1,000 lights.
From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2024
Councils have already cancelled weekend Christmas light switch-on events in Perth and Renfrew.
From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2024
The switch-on is cancelled, the start of late-night shopping delayed for a week.
From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2023
In addition to acting as an ACC inhibitor, it activates PPARα and PPARδ, cellular receptors that switch on genes involved in taking up fat and burning it for energy.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026
The tools switch on for the new year the same season the guardrail comes off.
From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026
Two were broadcasting their locations as they crossed and a third appeared to switch on its location tracker just past the line.
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
The idea, in a nutshell, is to switch on the immune system and starve the cancer at the same time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026
Inside the apartment, Arturo flipped the light switch on the wall and a bare bulb in the ceiling flashed on.
From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
