plug in

To connect a device to an electricity supply by putting its plug into a socket.

• Plug in the lamp.
• I plugged my phone in before bed.
• Have you plugged in the printer?

How to use it: plug something in (Plug the lamp in before you switch it on.); plug something into something (She plugged the charger into the wall socket.)

Similar words: connect

Opposites: unplug

Common phrases: plug in a charger, plug in something

To enter information into a computer system, form, or tool.

• Plug in your postcode.
• I plugged the figures into the spreadsheet.
• Have you plugged in the latest sales data?

How to use it: plug something into something (Plug your details into the online form.)

Similar words: enter, input, key in

Common phrases: plug in data, plug in the figures

To use a particular number in place of a letter in a mathematical expression.

• Plug in five for x.
• She plugged the value into the equation and solved it.
• What happens if we plug in a negative number?

How to use it: plug something in for something (Plug 4 in for x.); plug something into something (Plug the value into the formula.)

Similar words: substitute

Common phrases: plug in a number, plug in the value

To start taking part in an activity, group, or community.

• It took time to plug in locally.
• She plugged in to the volunteer network after moving here.
• These events help students plug in to campus life.

How to use it: plug in to something (New residents can plug in to community activities.)

Similar words: get involved, join in

Opposites: withdraw

Common phrases: plug in locally, plug in at church

To help someone understand an organization and become part of it.

• We need to plug in our new staff.
• Her mentor plugged her into the organization quickly.
• The welcome sessions help plug newcomers into the department.

How to use it: plug someone into something (A mentor plugged the new employee into the team.)

Similar words: integrate, bring in

Common phrases: plug in someone, plug someone in