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

Dual wireless connectivity adds to the functionality, for example chatting on a phone call with a Bluetooth smartphone connection and using the dongle at the same time for game audio.

From Washington Times

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

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

The current Chromecast with Google TV dongle costs €70, making the upcoming alternative around 40 percent cheaper, though we’ll have to wait and see how prices will compare across other regions.

From The Verge