Plug

/plʌɡ/

nounBeginner📊CommonObject
4 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

A piece of material or device that fills a hole or serves as a connector for an electrical outlet.

/plʌɡ/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

A device for closing an opening or connecting to an electrical outlet.

Make sure the plug is securely in the socket.

💡 Simply: It's like a little stick or button that you put into a hole to close it or make something work. Like, the plug on your phone charger connects to the wall to give it power!

👶 For kids: A plug is like a stopper. You use it to close a hole or to connect things to electricity.

More Examples

2

He pulled the plug to drain the bathtub.

3

The electrical plug sparks when it is removed.

How It's Used

Electrical

"He inserted the plug into the wall socket."

Engineering

"The plug seals the drain."

2

To insert or connect something into a socket or opening, especially an electrical appliance into an outlet.

/plʌɡ/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To insert or connect something into a socket or opening.

Please plug in the television.

💡 Simply: To push something into a hole so that it works or fits. Like, to plug your phone charger into the wall!

👶 For kids: To put something into a hole to make it work.

More Examples

2

I plugged my phone in to charge it.

3

The sound engineer plugged the microphone into the amplifier.

How It's Used

Electrical

"She plugged the lamp into the wall."

Figurative

"He's trying to plug his new book on social media."

Tip:Imagine the action of inserting the plug; the verb captures the same action.
3

An advertisement or a mention of something to promote it or give it publicity, especially on a radio or television program.

/plʌɡ/

nounneutralmedium
Communication

An advertisement or mention of something.

The comedian gave a plug to his upcoming tour dates.

💡 Simply: When someone mentions something, like a product or event, to try to make people interested in it. Like, a YouTuber might give a plug for their merch.

👶 For kids: It's when someone talks about something they want you to like.

More Examples

2

The author included a plug for her new book in the interview.

3

The influencer is paid to give plugs for different products.

How It's Used

Advertising

"The band made a plug for their new album on the radio."

Informal

"She gave a plug to her friend's new restaurant."

Tip:Think of it as 'plugging' the product into the public's consciousness.
4

To promote or mention something in order to gain publicity or popularity.

/plʌɡ/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To promote or mention something to the public.

The band plugged their latest song during the concert.

💡 Simply: To talk about something or show it off so that people will want to buy it or know about it. Like, a famous person plugging a new movie.

👶 For kids: To tell people about something to make them like it.

More Examples

2

He plugged his new restaurant on his social media accounts.

3

She spent the whole day plugging her new blog.

How It's Used

Advertising

"The company is actively plugging its new product on social media."

Informal

"She was always plugging her website whenever she could."

Tip:Think of it as inserting the idea of something into the public's awareness.

Idioms & expressions

pull the plug

To end something, usually an activity or project, especially by withdrawing support.

"They decided to pull the plug on the project due to lack of funding."

From Middle Dutch *plugge* or Middle Low German *plugge* ('stopper, peg').

The word 'plug' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to a stopper or a piece of material used to fill a hole.

Memory tip

Think of the plug as a key that fits the lock (socket) to let the power through.

Word Origin

LanguageMiddle Dutch/Middle Low German
Original meaning

"stopper, peg"

plug inplug intoelectrical plugpull the plugplug away

Common misspellings

plugg

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written