WordGarden.ioplug
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /plˈʌɡ/
US
- /ˈpləɡ/
Meanings
Noun
a fitting on the end of a cord or cable that goes into a socket to connect power or equipment
a piece that fits tightly into an opening to close or block it
a promotional mention or endorsement of a product, project, or event
More meaningsFewer meanings
(slang)a person's source for illegal drugs or the person who sells them
Verb
to promote or mention something publicly in order to attract interest
to stop or fill a hole, leak, or gap tightly
Beyond the definition
A "plug" is a word with a few common jobs. First, it can mean something that closes a hole, like the piece that keeps water in a bathtub. It can also mean the part at the end of a cord that goes into a wall socket to give a device power. As a verb, it often means to connect something in this way.
The word also appears in other everyday uses. If a drain is "plugged up," it is blocked and water cannot pass through. In media or business, to "plug" something means to give it a quick public mention to help people notice it. In informal speech, "the plug" can mean a person who is a useful source for getting something you need.
The word "plug" has several related meanings, and many of them grow from the basic idea of filling or closing an opening. In its oldest and simplest sense, a plug is a stopper, such as a cork, a rubber piece in a sink or bathtub, or anything else used to seal a hole. This meaning is still very common today: you pull the plug to let the water out.
With electricity, the word took on another major meaning. A plug is the part at the end of a cord that fits into a socket, and to plug something in means to connect it to a power source. For many learners, this is the most familiar modern use of the word.
In marketing, entertainment, and everyday conversation, "to plug" something can also mean to promote it. A singer might plug a new album in an interview, or a friend might plug a local cafe by telling everyone how good it is. In this sense, the word suggests giving something a helpful public mention.
The term also appears in informal English as a noun for a source or contact person, especially someone who can get a hard-to-find item. If someone says they "have a plug," they mean they know a person who can supply or arrange something for them. The exact tone depends on context, so learners should listen carefully to how it is being used.
Finally, "plug" can describe blocking something. If a pipe or drain is plugged, nothing can get through. There are also set phrases such as "plug away," which means to keep working steadily at something. Taken together, these uses show how flexible the word is: it can seal, connect, block, promote, or point to a useful source, depending on the situation.
Examples
- 1
Electrical noun
The plug on this lamp doesn't fit the socket.
- 2
Power connection
Can you plug the charger into the wall?
- 3
Plug in
I plugged in my laptop before the meeting.
- Patternplug in + device
connect it to electricity or another device
- 4
Cable connection
Make sure the cable is plugged into the right port.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Leak repair
The plumber came to plug the leak under the sink.
- 6
Blocked drain
Leaves had plugged the drain, so the water couldn't flow away.
- 7
App integration
The app plugs into your calendar and sends reminders automatically.
- Patternplug into + system
connect and work with it
- 8
Publicity noun
The author got a quick plug for her new book on the radio.
- 9
Self-promotion
He tried to plug his podcast during every conversation.
- Patternplug + product/project
mention it to promote it
- 10
Cancellation idiom
After three bad seasons, the network finally pulled the plug on the show.
- Phrasepull the plug on + project/show
stop supporting it or end it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- plugnounverb
Forms
- plugspluralnounverb
- pluggedpast tenseverbnoun
- plugging-ing formverbnoun