switchboard
|switch-board|
🇺🇸
/ˈswɪtʃˌbɔrd/
🇬🇧
/ˈswɪtʃˌbɔːd/
panel for switching or connecting
Etymology
'switchboard' originates from Modern English, specifically a compound of the words 'switch' and 'board', where 'switch' referred to a device for turning or changing a connection and 'board' meant a flat panel or plank.
'switchboard' formed in the late 19th century as telephone technology developed; the term combined existing words 'switch' (a device or action for changing electrical/telephone circuits) and 'board' (a panel) to name the apparatus used to make and direct connections.
Initially it referred generally to a 'board with switches' for electrical or signal control; with the rise of telephone systems it came to be strongly associated with telephone connection panels and operator consoles, and later broadened again to include various electrical distribution and control panels.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a panel or board containing switches, dials, and connections used to route telephone calls (historically operated by human operators) or to manage electrical/signal circuits.
The office's old switchboard was replaced with an automated system.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, a telephone operator's console used to connect callers to the desired extension or external line.
She worked at the switchboard during the night shift.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to connect or route telephone calls by operating a switchboard; to direct calls through a switching system.
During the event, volunteers will switchboard incoming calls to the right departments.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/18 03:29