# connect

/kəˈnɛkt/ (US) · /kənˈɛkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/connect
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to join physically

verb · CEFR A2

to join two or more things together so they stay in place.

For teachers: to join or fasten two or more objects together physically; can be used transitively or intransitively.

- You need to connect the printer to your computer using this cable.
- The engineer explained how the two structural components connect to ensure the bridge remains stable during high winds.

### 2. technology/internet

verb · CEFR A2

to link a device to a network or the internet.

For teachers: to establish a communication link between a device and a network or circuit.

- The tablet will automatically connect to the home Wi-Fi.
- Once the server is back online, the remote terminals will attempt to connect and synchronise the latest transaction data.

### 3. to link ideas

verb · CEFR B1

to see or show a relationship between two different things or ideas.

For teachers: to associate or establish a logical relationship between distinct concepts or events.

- It is hard to connect these two events because they happened years apart.
- The detective struggled to connect the suspect to the crime scene, as there was no physical evidence linking them together.

### 4. travel

verb · CEFR B1

to catch a second plane, bus, or train to continue your journey.

For teachers: to switch from one vehicle or transport service to another as part of a continuous journey.

- We have to connect in Frankfurt for our flight to Tokyo.
- The passenger was worried that the delay in the first leg of the trip would make it impossible to connect with the final ferry.

### 5. to hit a target

verb · CEFR B2

to successfully hit something you are aiming at.

For teachers: to make successful contact with a target, such as a ball or an opponent.

- The batter managed to connect with the ball and hit it into the outfield.
- The boxer failed to connect with his left hook, leaving himself vulnerable to a quick counter-attack from his opponent.

### 6. a helpful contact

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

a person you know who can help you get something you need.

For teachers: a person who acts as a source for goods, services, or information; often used in the context of illegal or hard-to-find items.

- I have a connect in the city who can get us front-row tickets.
- He claimed to have a connect at the record label who could get their demo heard by the main producers.

Usage: Often used with the definite article 'the' or a possessive like 'my'.

## Examples

- You need to connect the printer to your computer.
- The new bridge will connect the two islands for the first time in history.
- While the technical team worked to connect the remote servers, the managers met to ensure their long-term goals for the merger were also aligned.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.