plug

/plʌg/
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plug

A man inserts the plug into an electrical outlet.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • An electrical connector: A device with metal pins that is inserted into a socket to connect an appliance to an electrical supply.
    • A stopper or seal: An object used to block or fill a hole tightly, such as in a sink or bathtub.
    • A piece of promotion: Blatant or persistent promotional praise for a product, song, or idea.
    • A piece of chewing tobacco: A wad or small piece of tobacco designed for chewing.
    • An old or worn-out horse: (Informal) A horse that is old or overworked.
    • A spark plug: An electrical device in an internal-combustion engine that ignites the fuel-air mixture.
  2. Verb:

    • To stop or fill a hole: To close or seal an opening tightly with an object.
    • To promote persistently: To publicize or praise something repeatedly and enthusiastically.
    • To work diligently: To persist in working hard at a task.
    • To deliver a punch: (Informal) To hit someone with the fist.
    • To connect electrically: To insert an electrical plug into a socket.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun (Electrical Connector):

    • Make sure the plug is firmly in the socket before turning on the appliance.
    • This charger has a USB plug on one end.
  • Noun (Stopper):

    • She pulled the plug to let the water drain from the sink.
    • We used a rubber plug to seal the hole in the barrel.
  • Verb (To stop a hole):

    • The plumber plugged the leak in the pipe.
    • He plugged his ears with cotton to block out the noise.
  • Verb (To promote):

    • The host kept plugging his new book during the interview.
    • The band went on tour to plug their latest album.
  • Verb (To work diligently):

    • If you plug away at your studies, you will eventually succeed.
    • She's been plugging at that report all week.
Advanced Usage
  • "Plug and play": (Computing) Describes a device that is ready to use immediately after being connected, without needing complex setup.

    • Most modern printers are plug and play.
  • "Pull the plug": To stop or discontinue something, often abruptly; to disconnect a life-support machine.

    • The investors decided to pull the plug on the failing project.
    • After a long illness, the family made the difficult decision to pull the plug.
  • "Spark plug": (Metaphorical) A person who energizes and motivates a group.

    • She was the spark plug of the team, always encouraging everyone.
Variants and Related Words
  • Plug-in (Noun/Adjective): A software component that adds features to an existing program; capable of being connected by a plug.

    • I installed a new plug-in for editing photos.
    • It's a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
  • Spark plug (Noun): The specific engine component for ignition.

    • The mechanic replaced all four spark plugs.
  • Earplug (Noun): A device inserted into the ear to block sound.

    • I use earplugs to sleep on noisy flights.
Synonyms
  • Noun (Stopper): Stopper, cork, bung, seal.
  • Verb (Promote): Promote, advertise, publicize, hype.
  • Verb (Work hard): Persist, persevere, slog, grind.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Plug in: To connect an electrical device to a power source.

    • Can you plug in the laptop charger?
  • Plug into:

    • To connect electrically.
      • Plug the cable into the port on the back.
    • (Informal) To become involved with or aware of a system, network, or trend.
      • He's really plugged into the local music scene.
  • Plug up: To block or clog completely.

    • Leaves plugged up the gutter.
Related Idioms
  • "Plug the gap": To provide something that is missing or needed.

    • The new funding will plug the gap in the school's budget.
  • "A plug-ugly": (Old-fashioned, informal) A very ugly or rough-looking person.

    • The villain in the story was a real plug-ugly.
plug

A man inserts the plug into an electrical outlet.

Noun
  1. an old or over-worked horse
  2. an upright hydrant for drawing water to use in fighting a fire
  3. an electrical device with two or three pins that is inserted in a socket to make an electrical connection
  4. electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of an internal-combustion engine and ignites the gas by means of an electric spark
  5. blatant or sensational promotion
  6. a wad of something chewable as tobacco
  7. blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
Verb
  1. insert as a plug
    • She plugged a cork in the wine bottle
  2. insert a plug into
    • plug the wall
  3. make a plug for; praise the qualities or in order to sell or promote
  4. deliver a quick blow to
    • he punched me in the stomach
  5. persist in working hard
    • Students must plug away at this problem
  6. fill or close tightly with or as if with a plug
    • plug the hole
    • stop up the leak