plural plugs
1
a
: a part at the end of an electric cord that has two or three metal pins that connect the cord to a source of electricity
the lamp's plug
The only way to turn the machine off is to pull the plug. [=remove the plug from the outlet]
b
: a part at the end of a wire or cable that is used to connect machines or devices
a microphone plug
c
chiefly British
: outlet sense 4
2
: a thing that is used to close a hole in a container or object
I put the plug [=stopper] in the drain and let the sink/bathtub fill with water.
a drain plug
3
: a thing that is used to fill a hole or empty area
a wooden plug
We replanted the area with plugs of grass. [=bunches of grass plants]
4
: a piece of tobacco used for chewing
He put a plug of tobacco in his mouth.
5
6
: something that is said on the radio, on television, etc., in order to create interest in something (such as a book, movie, or restaurant)
—often + for
I heard a plug for that café on the radio.
He gave a plug for [=talked about] his new film during the interview.
She put in a plug for the band's new album on her radio program.
plugs; plugged; plugging
1
: to fill or cover (a hole, space, etc.) with something
We were able to plug the hole with cement.
Leaves and dirt were plugging [=blocking] the storm drain.
—often + upHe plugged up the spaces between the stones with mud.
The drain was plugged up. [=clogged, blocked]
—often used figurativelyThe company needs to plug the holes/gaps in its security system.
2
: to praise (something, such as a book, movie, or restaurant) publicly in a way that makes people want to buy it, see it, etc. : to advertise (something) by talking about it especially on the radio or television
One of the DJs on the local radio station has been plugging the band's new album.
3
US, informal + old-fashioned
: to shoot (someone) with a gun
He plugged him right in the chest.
Cite this Entry
“Plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/plug. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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