1 A2 neutral
To connect an electrical appliance to a power supply by inserting its plug into a socket
"Could you plug the kettle in? I'll make us some tea."
separable
plug in
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To connect an electrical device to a power supply or to another device by inserting a plug
In plain English
To put a plug into a socket so something gets electricity or connects to another device
What does "plug in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To connect one electronic device to another using a cable
"Plug your camera in and the computer should recognize it automatically."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To connect to or become part of a system, network, or community (figurative)
"New employees are encouraged to plug in to the company's mentoring network from day one."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To insert a plug into a socket
Actually means
To put a plug into a socket so something gets electricity or connects to another device
Usage tip
One of the most common and practical phrasal verbs in everyday English. Can be used with a direct object ('plug the lamp in') or intransitively ('it just plugs in here'). Also used figuratively to mean connecting to or becoming part of a system or network.
Words that pair with "plug in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
laptop charger phone kettle television headphones cable
How to conjugate "plug in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plug in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plugs in
he/she/it
Past simple
pluged in
yesterday
Past participle
pluged in
have + pp
-ing form
pluging in
continuous
Hear "plug in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plug in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.