plug-in
adjective
capable of or designed for being connected to an electrical power source by plugging in or inserting: a plug-in transistor.
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plugin.
plug in
British
verb
noun
-
a device that can be connected by means of a plug
-
computing a module or piece of software that can be added to a system to provide extra functions or features, esp software that enhances the capabilities of a web browser
-
computing ( as modifier )
plug-in memory cards
plug-in
Scientific
/ plŭg′ĭn′ /
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of plug-in
First recorded in 1920–25; adjective and noun use of verb phrase plug in
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The rapid shift to EVs and plug-in hybrids means China also has too many old-school plants churning out cars with traditional internal combustion engines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Major investments in battery energy storage, as well as a new state law legalizing plug-in solar, should also help move the needle.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
Deliveries in China fell 39% in the quarter to 405,800 vehicles, despite increasing demand for the company’s second-generation plug-in hybrid and range-extender models, it said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
The EU said it will cap hybrid and plug-in hybrid car imports from China at 350,000 units annually for four years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026
You may think that music is a luxury, a plug-in to make human life more enjoyable.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
He sometimes waits more than half an hour in line for his turn to plug in his Audi E-tron.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
“Obviously if somebody’s trying to create a financial model…you have to plug in some numbers here,” Musk said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
With digital cameras offering an element of surprise when you plug in the memory card reader to your computer at home, digital cameras capture a moment in time.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2026
When they get home, the residents of a small housing association on the outskirts of Hudiksvall, Sweden, plug in their electric vehicles to charge them or, intriguingly, power their homes.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
Carefully, firmly, he connected the cable and the plug in his hands and the immediate forceful blow-up startled him, although he had expected it.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The new plug-ins released about a week ago can review legal contracts and perform other industry-specific functions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 7, 2026
The Cowork plug-ins were like a match on dry tinder.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 5, 2026
In their view, “legal plug-ins will not replace robust, mature tool stacks like Intuit.”
From Barron's ● Feb. 4, 2026
Sales of hybrids performed well, although Toyota stressed it was working hard to offer various kinds of electric vehicles, including battery EVs, plug-ins and fuel cell models.
From Seattle Times ● May 7, 2024
“With plug-ins, like for guitar or piano. Or you can use a sampler.”
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
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