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
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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
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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:
Starting from Goodison Park, at the junction of Spellow Lane and Goodison Road, the library lit up with a beam of light shooting into the sky in a symbolic switch-on, following live music performances..
From BBC ● Dec. 11, 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
The Bavarian-style market opened its doors to the public at noon on Saturday, hours before the city's Christmas light switch-on event.
From BBC ● Nov. 16, 2024
Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform at this year's Blackpool Illuminations switch-on concert, organisers have announced.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2023
Hundreds of people headed to a North Yorkshire town's seafront to see the light switch-on of its "fishtive" Christmas tree.
From BBC ● Dec. 4, 2022
How he's still able to keep himself conditioned physically, and switch on mentally to play a five-setter like this, is astonishing - especially given how little tennis he has been playing outside of the Slams.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
His approach to business flips the switch on the classic “Field of Dreams” mantra.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
“We’re not pulling a bait and switch on you,” Hoover told The Times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
Insurance is the kind of thing people don’t switch on and off, and Iran has been a potential hot spot for many years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026
It was like the time he turned on the light switch on his way to the kitchen, but the bulb blew out.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
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.
