unplugged; unplugging; unplugs
1
a
: to take a plug out of
b
: to remove an obstruction from
2
a
: to remove (a plug, such as an electric plug) from a socket or receptacle
b
: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug
unplug the refrigerator
: to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (such as computers or smartphones)
If you go on a summer vacation, how much are you willing to truly unplug? For many of us, it can be hard to put the phone down.—
Ari Shapiro
Ari Shapiro
also
: to temporarily withdraw from the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life (such as work or home duties)
Think of yourself as a human being instead of a human doer and make a conscious effort to unplug and recharge. —Bryan Robinson
Bryan Robinson Examples of unplug in a Sentence
I forgot to unplug my guitar from the amp.
the chimney should work just fine once it is unplugged and cleaned out
Recent Examples on the Web
Be sure to unplug and remove window units before leaving for vacation.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Late in the first half of a second-division game between Preussen Munster and Hertha Berlin, referee Felix Bickel was attempting to use VAR to decide on a penalty appeal when masked fans climbed out of the stands and one unplugged the pitchside monitor (see above).
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The chatbot was never fully deployed and was unplugged three months after Carvalho unveiled it amid fanfare in March of 2024.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The designer often finds that smaller spaces feel more intimate and conducive to unplugging.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplug
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Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Late in the first half of a second-division game between Preussen Munster and Hertha Berlin, referee Felix Bickel was attempting to use VAR to decide on a penalty appeal when masked fans climbed out of the stands and one unplugged the pitchside monitor (see above).
—Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The chatbot was never fully deployed and was unplugged three months after Carvalho unveiled it amid fanfare in March of 2024.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
The designer often finds that smaller spaces feel more intimate and conducive to unplugging.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unplug
Cite this Entry
“Unplug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unplug. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unplug
verb
un·plug
ˌən-ˈpləg 
ˈən-
1
: to remove (as an electric plug) from a socket or opening
2
: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug
unplug the television
3
: to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (as computers or smartphones)
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