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)
toggled; toggling
ˈtä-g(ə-)liŋ 
; toggles
; toggles
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
: 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
Phyllis FagellThe 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.
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
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
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
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
Benjamin Zhang Examples of toggle in a Sentence
Noun
Instead of buttons, the jacket has toggles.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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
See all Example Sentences for toggle 
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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
See all Example Sentences for toggle
Dictionary Entries Near toggle
Cite this Entry
“Toggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toggle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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 verb1
: 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
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