switchboard

noun

switch·​board ˈswich-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce switchboard (audio)
: an apparatus (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled

Examples of switchboard in a Sentence

She used to work as a switchboard operator.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As your first stop, head to the tiny neighborhood dive, Joseph Bar, where a cheerful blue exterior, iconic signage, old switchboards, and graffiti on the walls pack in the charm of Goa’s taverna culture. Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024 According to Colavito's biography by the Society for American Baseball Research, the Cleveland Plain Dealer fielded hundreds of phone calls at their switchboard in response to the trade; fans opposed it by a ratio of 9-to-1. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Instead, one phase of the three-phase, 480-volt AC derived from the main utility switchboard is sent directly to the servers, which contain custom power supplies that use what amounts to a 277-volt AC feed. IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 2011 Court documents revealed that excessive vibrations on the vessel damaged the ship's systems, causing its switchboards and transformers to fail. Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for switchboard 

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of switchboard was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near switchboard

Cite this Entry

“Switchboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/switchboard. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

switchboard

noun
switch·​board -ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce switchboard (audio)
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
: a device (as in a telephone exchange) consisting of a panel on which are mounted electric switches so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected, combined, and controlled

More from Merriam-Webster on switchboard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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