# plugged

/ˈpɫəɡd/ (US) · /plˈʌɡd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plugged
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. connected to electricity

verb · CEFR A2

connected to a power supply using a plug.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. blocked or filled

verb · CEFR B1

filled a hole or blocked a gap so nothing can get through.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. promoted something

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

mentioned a product or event many times to encourage people to buy it.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. blocked

adjective · CEFR B1

completely blocked so that nothing can flow through.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The laptop is plugged in and charging now.
- She is so plugged into the local tech scene that she knows about every new startup before they launch.
- In our increasingly digital world, being constantly plugged into social media can lead to significant mental fatigue and a distorted sense of reality.

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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.