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
First recorded in 1920–25; adjective and noun use of verb phrase plug in
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It said that 52 percent of its passenger car sales in Europe are now electrified vehicles -- fully electric, plug-in hybrids and non-plug-in hybrids -- up from 43.8 percent in the first half of 2025.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
An escalation in European Union trade barriers could pose some risks, as the bloc plans to extend tariff hikes to imports of Chinese plug-in hybrids, they say.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
Ian Plummer, chief customer officer of car selling website Autotrader, says the rising EV demand is "driven by intensifying competition and rising consumer interest in plug-in cars".
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
That’s a major reason plug-in solar is now taking off in the U.S.,
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 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
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
Also, when you plug in at night, the lights keep a steady, flashing vigil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026
Although the vehicles may be capable of driving themselves, they can’t clean their own interiors, plug in a charging cable or repair hardware.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026
His mom wouldn’t let him plug in because it would be too loud, so I had to lean over.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2026
“Like a handheld recorder or something. Something you didn’t have to plug in but could walk around with. And I didn’t ask why. I told her to wait right there and I’d get one.”
From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
Customers can create private plug-ins from scratch or customize plug-ins based on Claude’s starter templates, which include options for human resources, equity research, engineering, wealth management, and other functions.
From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026
The 11 plug-ins have a range of focus, including the legal profession.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 5, 2026
The company also released plug-ins for finance, customer service and other areas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
A wave of new hybrid models is coming online in 2025, both traditional hybrids and plug-ins.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 15, 2025
“With plug-ins, like for guitar or piano. Or you can use a sampler.”
From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
