rocker switch

Meanings

1. 1nouncountabletechnical

   An electrical switch with a flat lever that rocks back and forth when you press one end.

   Grammar: Countable: say 'a rocker switch' or 'two rocker switches'.

   Patterns

   • a rocker switch on something
   • press/flip a rocker switch
   • a rocker switch controls something

   The lamp on the desk is turned on with a small rocker switch at the back.

   He flipped the rocker switch and the machine started with a hum.

   Old power strips often have a red rocker switch that lights up when it is on.

2. 2nouncountabletechnicalmusic

   A similar two-position switch used on guitars or amplifiers to change the sound.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with 'pickup' or 'tone' before it in guitar talk.

   Patterns

   • a pickup rocker switch
   • switch something with a rocker switch

   A three-way rocker switch lets you choose the front, back, or both pickups.

   She replaced the worn rocker switch on her amplifier before the show.

Word forms

Common combinations

flip a rocker switch

Flip the rocker switch to start the fan.

three-way rocker switch

A three-way rocker switch gives you three pickup settings.

illuminated rocker switch

An illuminated rocker switch glows so you can find it in the dark.

panel-mounted rocker switch

The panel-mounted rocker switch sits flush with the dashboard.

Synonyms and how they differ

toggle switch

A toggle switch has a small lever you flick up and down, while a rocker switch is pressed at one end and rocks.

push button

A push button springs back or clicks when pressed, but it does not stay in two tilted positions like a rocker switch.

Word family

rocker noun

The curved part that rocks, or a person who plays rock music.

switch noun

The general word for any device that turns current on or off.

Commonly confused: rocker switch or light switch?

Practice

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