plug-in

1 of 3

adjective

: designed to be connected to an electric circuit by plugging in
a plug-in toy
a plug-in circuit board

plug-in

2 of 3

noun

1
: something that plugs in
2
: a small piece of software that supplements a larger program (such as a browser)

plug in

3 of 3

verb

plugged in; plugging in; plugs in

intransitive verb

: to establish an electric circuit by inserting a plug

transitive verb

: to attach or connect to an electric receptacle (such as an outlet)

Examples of plug-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
This setup, which is used by the current Porsche Cayenne and upcoming Audi Q9, which can accommodate a range of combustion engines and a plug-in hybrid system. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026 The Transporter eHybrid's plug-in hybrid powertrain is more straightforward, coming in a single 229-hp spec. New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
Among them, exports of new energy passenger vehicles, including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, jumped more than 120% last month from the year before, to about 420,000 units. ABC News, 11 May 2026 The hybrid drivetrain is derived from the architecture introduced with the Revuelto plug-in hybrid supercar, although the Fenomeno Roadster receives bespoke chassis and aerodynamic modifications, making heavy use of carbon fiber to reduce weight. James Morris, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for plug-in

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1922, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of plug-in was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Plug-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plug-in. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

plug-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈpləg-ˌin
: software that adds to the capabilities of a larger program (as a browser)

plug in

2 of 2 verb
: to establish an electric circuit by inserting a plug

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