toggle

Everyday

1. A toggle is a short piece of wood, plastic or metal used like a button: it is pushed through a loop to fasten a coat or bag, as on a duffel coat. tree →
2. (computing) A toggle is a switch or button that turns something on or off, one press changing it each time. tree →
3. (verb) To toggle means to switch between two states or options, like on and off: "Toggle between the two windows." tree →
4. A toggle is also the sliding stopper on a drawstring. tree →

In the lessons

In computing lessons, toggles switch settings (Wi-Fi, dark mode, caps lock). In everyday life, duffel coats and Scout neckerchiefs (woggles) use toggles. In science and D and T, a toggle switch is a lever switch in circuits. Phrases: "toggle switch", "toggle on", "toggle off", "toggle between".

Examples

• My duffel coat has wooden toggles instead of buttons. tree →
• Tap the toggle to turn on dark mode. tree →
• Press the key to toggle between capital and small letters. tree →
• The toggle switch on the lamp clicked on. tree →
• Pull the toggle to tighten the hood. tree →
• You can toggle the sound on and off. tree →
• We used a toggle switch in our circuit project. tree →

Note

Regular verb: toggled, toggling. A toggle always has two states; pressing it again undoes it. A Scout's "woggle" is a different word.