The time dependence of polarization reversal in &bgr;‐phase polyvinylidene fluoride has been measured under a step‐function field up to 200 MV/m below room temperature. Fairly fast switching has been found to occur which might be accomplished by a 180° rotation of individual chains around their chain axes in the crystalline lamellae. The field dependence of the switching time is strong as indicated by a very high activation field of 1–2 GV/m or a large power law index of 8.0–10.5. The shape of switching transient has been investigated phenomenologically and by computer simulation on the basis of a nucleation and growth model. It is shown that the model is consistent with observations if one‐dimensional growth and an appropriate ratio of growth velocity to nucleation probability are assumed. Effects of the size of nuclei and domains are examined.