Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
electric switch

electric switch

2.7
A small device on a wall that turns electricity on and off
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪk swɪtʃ/
translation icon : interruptor eléctrico
  • You can turn on the lights by pressing the electric switch on the wall.

Examples

  • On February 23, 1996, I was working with my electric switches in my electricity box when I heard this: BUZZ, BUZZ, BUZZ.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • I don't even know how to start a fire—except turning on the electric switch for the gas fireplace.

    Blog text (20)

  • The electric switch controls the power supply to the entire house.

  • To reset the circuit, flip the electric switch back to the off position.

Synonyms

switch
vselectric switch
  • Specialized
233 2.5

A small device that turns electrical power on or off

is the adjectival version that adds a descriptive ending
electrical switch
vselectric switch
1 2.8

A device that connects and cuts the flow of electricity to turn a light or machine on and off

is the alternate adjective form without the -al ending used similarly

Surface Forms

electric switch singular
electric switches plural

Morphology

electric + switch

The meaning is directly and compositionally built from 'electric' (relating to electrical power) + 'switch' (a device that opens or closes circuits); a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a switch used in electrical circuits. This noun + noun/adjective pattern is common across languages and in English technical vocabulary, so the sense is immediately transparent without special idiomatic knowledge.

Etymology

Electric switch comes from the simple image of a small lever or button that makes or breaks the flow of electricity. When you flip the switch, it 'connects' or 'breaks' the electric path, so the name means a device that turns power 'on' or 'off'.