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

plugin

57 3.5
A small program you add to a larger program to give it new features
  • noun
  • /ˈplʌɡɪn/
  • Specialized
: 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
448 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
76 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
23 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
11 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
util
vsplugin
  • Jargon
1 8.2

A small computer program that does one simple task

is added into a larger program to provide specific functions rather than standalone
bolt-on solution
vsplugin
  • Jargon
1 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

How Complex

framework
123 3.5
module
100 3.7
library
  • Specialized
37 4.9
plugin
  • Specialized
57 3.5
extension
  • Jargon
76 4.0
script
  • Specialized
45 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.