toggle switch

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a switch in which a projecting knob or arm, moving through a small arc, causes the contacts to open or close an electric circuit suddenly, as commonly used in most homes.

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toggle switch British  

noun

1. an electric switch having a projecting lever that is manipulated in a particular way to open or close a circuit

2. a computer device that is used to turn a feature on or off

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Etymology

Origin of toggle switch

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toggle switch

In one instance, a cyber team found a toggle switch that sailors were using to electronically flip between vessel names—the digital equivalent of painting over the ship’s real name on the hull.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

There is even a red toggle switch for "manual detonation", explains Thirteenth.

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2024

"Our work uncovered a toggle switch in his brain," Murthy said.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2023

A rocker light switch — a seesaw-like device you can use with your palm or elbow — can be easier to use than a traditional toggle switch.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 6, 2023

He flipped on the flashlight and groped along the side of the car, looking for the toggle switch that released the trunk.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai