Word
plugged
US/ˈpɫəɡd/
UK/plˈʌɡd/
Definitions
01connected to electricity
A2 · Elementary
v. connected to a power supply using a plug.
v. connected to an electrical outlet or power source; usually followed by the preposition 'in'.
“I realized the lamp wasn't working because it wasn't plugged in.”
“The technician confirmed that the server remained plugged into the backup power supply during the entire maintenance window.”
Usage
Usually used as the phrasal verb 'plug in'.
Antonyms
02blocked or filled
B1 · Intermediate
v. filled a hole or blocked a gap so nothing can get through.
v. obstructed or filled a hole, gap, or leak to prevent the passage of fluid or air.
“He plugged the small leak in the pipe with some waterproof tape.”
“The maintenance crew plugged the gaps in the masonry to prevent further water damage during the winter months.”
Usage
Often takes a direct object representing the hole or gap.
03promoted something
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. mentioned a product or event many times to encourage people to buy it.
v. promoted a product, service, or event through repetitive mention, often in a media context.
“The actor plugged his new movie several times during the interview.”
“The author spent the entire radio segment plugging her latest novel, barely pausing to answer the host's actual questions.”
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in entertainment journalism and talk shows.
Synonyms
04blocked
B1 · Intermediate
adj. completely blocked so that nothing can flow through.
adj. fully obstructed or clogged; used to describe pipes, filters, or passages.
“The sink is plugged and the water won't go down the drain.”
“The mechanic discovered a plugged fuel filter was the primary cause of the engine's poor performance.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The AI company discovered the device, which was plugged into the back of a TV in a conference meeting room and covered up with toilet paper, on 30 September.” “It's sort of huge, measuring about 10 inches high by 8 inches across, but it looks nice enough when it's plugged in, thanks to its sleek, white, wellness-coded design.” “The previous night, when left outside in the same conditions without being plugged in, the R1S lost about 10 percent of its charge.” “When the Trezor arrived, I plugged it into my computer and went to the Trezor website to set it up.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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