# docking station

CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/docking-station
Updated: 2026-08-02

## Definition

a device that connects a laptop or phone to other equipment like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It lets you turn a portable device into a full desk computer with just one cable.

For teachers: a hardware platform that allows a portable electronic device, such as a laptop or smartphone, to connect to multiple peripherals and a power supply simultaneously.

## Examples

- I plug my laptop into the docking station at my desk.
- The new office desks are equipped with a universal docking station so employees can connect their laptops instantly.
- By utilizing a high-performance docking station, the designer can transition seamlessly from mobile field work to a multi-monitor desktop setup without manually reconnecting individual cables every time.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in business and IT contexts; often shortened to 'dock' in casual technical conversation.

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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.