toggle

[tog-uhl]

noun

1. a pin, bolt, or rod placed transversely through a chain, an eye or loop in a rope, etc., as to bind it temporarily to another chain or rope similarly treated.

2. a toggle joint, or a device having one.

3. an ornamental, rod-shaped button for inserting into a large buttonhole, loop, or frog, used especially on sports clothes.

4. Theater.

   1. Also called toggle rail. a wooden batten across the width of a flat, for strengthening the frame.

   2. Also called toggle iron. a metal device for fastening a toggle rail to a frame.

verb (used with object)

toggled, toggling 

1. to furnish with a toggle.

2. to bind or fasten with a toggle.

3. Informal.,  to turn, twist, or manipulate a toggle switch; dial or turn the switch of (an appliance).

   He toggled the TV between the baseball game and the news.

toggle

/ ˈtɒɡəl /

noun

1. a wooden peg or metal rod fixed crosswise through an eye at the end of a rope, chain, or cable, for fastening temporarily by insertion through an eye in another rope, chain, etc

2. a wooden or plastic bar-shaped button inserted through a loop for fastening

3. a pin inserted into a nautical knot to keep it secure

4. machinery a toggle joint or a device having such a joint

verb

1. (tr) to supply or fasten with a toggle or toggles

2. computing to switch to a different option, view, application, etc

Other Word Forms

• toggler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toggle¹

First recorded in 1760–70; perhaps variant of tackle

Word History and Origins

Origin of toggle¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Or we could offer users a dial they can toggle anywhere between “Spot on,” “Me with a twist” and “Wild card.”

From Salon

She mentions a technique called “toggling,” which one professor illustrated using John Mayer’s “Why Georgia.”

From Los Angeles Times

But in the fleet, pacey manner of the editing, toggling between private and public moments with highlight-reel efficiency, the film is a stirring glimpse of top-down kindness as a winning leadership style.

From Los Angeles Times

The next minute, the dads toggle their attention between the discussion and an impromptu game of catch between the kids and a heavy toy.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet, he’s also stubbornly himself and we spend the running time toggling between being scared for him and being scared of him.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dial 
• knob 
• switch