three-way switch

noun

A type of light switch that can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations, as at either end of a stairway or long hallway; a double-throw switch. (UK): two-way switch.

Similar
three-point switch
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Meanings

nounthree-way switch (plural three-way switches)

plural three-way switches

  1. USbusinessA type of light switch that can be arranged in pairs to control lights from two locations, as at either end of a stairway or long hallway; a double-throw switch. (UK): two-way switch.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounan electric switch that has three terminals; used to control a circuit from two different locations

Similar
three-point switch
Broader
switchelectric switchelectrical switch

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

Named after its three electrical connections, as opposed to the two connections of a normal light switch.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Italian deviatore
  • deviatoreTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

three-way switch. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/three-way%20switch

MLA

“three-way switch.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/three-way%20switch. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “three-way switch,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/three-way%20switch.

Source: three-way switch on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.