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• Plug and Play
  Plug and Play

  noun

  a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.
• plug and play
  plug and play

  noun

  computing a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention

Plug and Play

American  

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.

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plug and play British  

noun

1. computing a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention

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adjective

1. capable of detecting the addition of a new input or output device and automatically activating the appropriate control software

Etymology

Origin of Plug and Play

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The boys’ weight was affecting their ability to run and play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Children run and play in between the rows of chairs.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2025

Some babies treated with it grew up able to run and play.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2025

Patriots will be able to run and play sound football.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2021

But I knew I was right because here’s the thing: how do you run and play when you feel like there are bricks of the heaviest sadness weighing down every part of your body?

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan