1 C1 neutral
To connect directly to an electronic system, network, or piece of equipment.
"We jacked into the venue's sound system for the rehearsal."
inseparable
jack into
C1 neutral inseparable transitive
To connect to a device, system, or network, often by cable or direct access.
In plain English
connect to something
What does "jack into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To gain direct access to a digital or virtual system, especially in science-fiction style language.
"In the game, players jack into a shared virtual world through a headset."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To insert a jack connection into something.
Actually means
connect to something
Usage tip
Mostly technical or science-fiction sounding; often used for direct electronic or digital connection.
Words that pair with "jack into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
network system server console audio board mainframe
How to conjugate "jack into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jack into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jacks into
he/she/it
Past simple
jacked into
yesterday
Past participle
jacked into
have + pp
-ing form
jacking into
continuous
Hear "jack into" in the wild
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Other ways to say "jack into"
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