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Glite Dictionary
🧩 Software add-on 🔌 A device add-on 🧩 Add-on feature
plugin

plugin

33 3.5
A small program you add to a larger program to give it new features
  • noun
  • /ˈplʌɡɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : complemento
  • I'm trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
  • use a plugin
  • a browser plugin
  • a WordPress plugin

If you don't have money for plugins, you can do it the old school way.

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Examples

  • I've found this plugin invaluable for troubleshooting.

    Academic text (2016)

  • To improve your website's performance, you should consider adding an SEO plugin to optimize your content.

  • Let me say straight away that the plugin appears professional and quite well made.

    Blog text (1)

  • Yeah, and nothing is a better sweet deal than installing the Honey plugin on your favorite browser.

  • And the Google Chrome plugin icon is not a button at all.

    Blog text (2)

  • I mention this all the time on my channel, but I use the self-control plugin on my laptop to basically block social media.

  • That's where the User Switching plugin can come in really handy.

    Academic text (2016)

  • We're using a new WordPress plugin for selling tickets, developed pro bono by 9seeds.

    Blog text (2)

  • I've just started using the Nik Silver Efex Pro plugin for Lightroom and Photoshop.

    Blog text (4)

  • Many audio editing programs offer a variety of plugins that enhance sound effects and tools.

Synonyms

component
vsplugin
447 3.4

A part of something larger, like a machine or system

is a small software part specifically meant to add functions to larger programs
extension
vsplugin
  • Jargon
78 4.0

A phone or number connected to the main office line

is narrower in use focusing only on small software pieces for programs
add-on
vsplugin
22 3.9

A thing you add to a program or device to give extra features

is limited to small software pieces for larger computer programs
plug-in
vsplugin
  • Specialized
9 4.2

A small program you add to software to give it new features

is the same meaning but written without a hyphen
add-in
vsplugin
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A small program added to an app to give extra features like charts or image editing

is not restricted to parts installed inside applications
bolt-on solution
vsplugin
  • Jargon
4.8

An extra product you add to an existing system to give it new features

does not emphasize being added without requiring major system changes
util
vsplugin
  • Jargon
8.2

A small computer program that does one simple task

is added into a larger program to provide specific functions rather than standalone

How Complex

framework
29 3.5
module
101 3.7
library
  • Specialized
77 4.9
plugin
  • Specialized
33 3.5
extension
  • Jargon
78 4.0
script
  • Specialized
70 3.6

Surface Forms

plugin singular
plugins plural

Morphology

plugin = plug (semi-transparent) = in + plug

The metaphor of a component that 'plugs in' to a larger program is accessible, but the software-specific meaning is still somewhat specialized and not fully literal. [Postprocessing: moved 'in' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Plugin is built from plug and in, which gives a clear image: adding a small piece into something bigger, like plugging a lamp into a wall. That's why a software plugin is a small component you add to a program to give it new features.