Definition
An electrical switch operated by a small lever that is moved up or down (or side to side) to open or close a circuit. The lever snaps positively into each position through internal spring tension, giving a definite on/off action.
Plain English
A small lever switch you flip to turn something on or off. The lever snaps firmly into place so you can feel and see whether it's on or off.
Context Anchor
Seen on aircraft panels for items such as lights, fuel pumps, avionics power, and other electrical equipment.
Derivation
From the old word 'toggle,' meaning a short pin or rod that pivots at its center to lock something in place. The switch lever pivots the same way, snapping firmly into one position or the other.
Why Pilots Care
Provides positive, reliable on/off control for critical systems without requiring the pilot to hold the switch in position.
Analogy
It is like a household light switch, but usually smaller and shaped as a short lever instead of a flat wall switch.
Intuition Check
Do not assume every small aircraft switch is a toggle switch. A toggle switch is identified by the little lever that flips between positions.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot flipped the toggle switch up to turn on the landing light before final approach.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight check, the pilot verified that the fuel pump toggle switch was in the off position.