dongle

American  

[dong-guhl, dawng‑] / ˈdɒŋ gəl, ˈdɔŋ‑ /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a hardware device, paired with a licensed copy of a software program, that must be plugged into a computer to authorize every use of the software.

   an antipiracy dongle.

2. a device that can be plugged into a hardware port on a computer, television, or other electronic device, to enable access when connecting devices to peripherals, to the internet, or to each other: an HDMI dongle with television apps;

   a USB dongle for wireless internet access;

   an HDMI dongle with television apps;

   a display port dongle to connect the laptop to the projector.

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dongle British  

/ ˈdɒŋɡəl /

noun

1. computing an electronic device that accompanies a software item to prevent the unauthorized copying of programs

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Etymology

Origin of dongle

First recorded in 1980–85; probably an arbitrary coinage

Example Sentences

Thankfully, more airlines are adding Bluetooth compatibility to screens, but meanwhile consider investing in the AirFly Pro 2, a tiny $60 dongle that plugs into the seat back screen and lets you use wireless headphones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

The 900 Max HX offers dual-mode wireless connectivity through both 2.4GHz lag-free USB-A dongle and Bluetooth 5.1.

From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2023

Before she took the stage, Noname borrowed an iPhone dongle from another performer — an act she referred to as a “socialism doing.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2023

There were complaints when the iMac installed a USB port back in the day—a time when there weren’t many USB-capable products!—and when the Lightning came into being in 2012, there was a whole dongle boondoggle.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2023

Ms Felke shares the new device with her nine-year-old daughter, but said they must still rely on mobile data and a dongle as she cannot afford broadband at home.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2023