toggle

1 of 2

noun

tog·​gle ˈtä-gəl 

1

: a piece or device for holding or securing: such as

a

: a pin inserted in a nautical knot to make it more secure or easier to slip

b

: a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in something (such as a chain, rope, line, strap, or belt) usually to prevent slipping, to serve in twisting or tightening, or to hold something attached

2

: a device consisting of two bars jointed together end to end but not in line so that when a force is applied to the joint tending to straighten it pressure will be exerted on the parts adjacent or fixed to the outer ends of the bars

also : a device with a joint using a toggle

3

computers : a setting that can be switched between two different options by performing a single action (such as selecting a menu option or pressing a key)

toggle

2 of 2

verb

toggled; toggling ˈtä-g(ə-)liŋ  ; toggles

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a toggle

2

: to furnish with a toggle

3

: to switch between two different options for (something, such as a computer setting) usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination

toggle the sound on a computer off and on

intransitive verb

: to switch between usually two different options, states, or activities : alternate, cycle

Prevent bad habits by intervening when kids toggle between texting and studying …

—Phyllis Fagell

The brain continues to toggle back and forth between non-REM and REM sleep throughout the night, once every hour and a half.

—Alice Park et al.

specifically : to change between usually two options of an electronic device by means of a simple hardware or software control (such as a button, a switch, or a combination of keys)

You also get … an icon that lets you toggle between keyboard and gamepad controls.

—Ian Paul

Users can toggle between these three views at any time, offering a more customizable way to consume the content on the site.

—Arielle Pardes

… a prompt asks for permission to access the front-facing camera. As with any app, this permission can be toggled on or off …

—Joe Rossignol

Using the steering wheel, you can toggle through various layouts including navigation, trip computer, audio, driver's assistance features, and a tachometer.

—Benjamin Zhang

Examples of toggle in a Sentence

Noun

Instead of buttons, the jacket has toggles.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The thermometer comes with a cover to protect the probe during storage, and the only button is a simple on/off toggle. —Lizzy Briskin, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Tommy Dorfman, a standout in 13 Reasons Why, toggles between Tybalt and The Nurse, bringing equal strength to both characters. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

The issue was resolved by toggling the eSIM off and on in Settings. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

For example, the malware can simulate actions that a user would normally take, such as toggling settings or responding to prompts. —Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1836, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing toggle

• toggle bolt
• toggle switch

Kids Definition

toggle

1 of 2 noun

tog·​gle ˈtäg-əl 

: a crosspiece attached to the end of or to a loop in a rope, chain, or belt to prevent slipping or to serve as a fastening or as a grip for tightening

used a stick as a toggle in tightening a rope

toggle

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a toggle

2

: to furnish with a toggle

3

: to switch between two options especially of an electronic device usually by pressing a single button or a simple key combination