plugged

Everyday

1. Plugged in means connected to an electricity socket with a plug so it can work. tree →
2. Plugged (up) means blocked or filled so that nothing can pass through, like a plugged hole or a stuffy nose. tree →
3. Plugged can mean a hole was filled with something to stop a leak. tree →
4. Plugged can mean talked about to advertise, like a book plugged on TV. tree →

In the lessons

Everyday and safety: never touch plugs or sockets with wet hands; switch off and unplug before cleaning things; do not overload sockets. In science lessons, a circuit only works when it is complete, like a lamp only works when it is plugged in and switched on. A plugged drain or nose is blocked. Phrases: «plugged in», «plugged the hole», «plugged up», «stay plugged in» (stay up to date).

Examples

• Is the charger plugged in? tree →
• The kettle won't work because it isn't plugged in. tree →
• The sink is plugged with hair. tree →
• My nose is all plugged up with a cold. tree →
• Dad plugged the leak with tape. tree →
• Unplug the toaster before you clean it. tree →
• She plugged her headphones into the tablet. tree →
• The author plugged her new book on the radio. tree →

Note

Double the g: «plug → plugged, plugging». Opposite: «unplugged». In the US «plugged» (blocked) is common; in the UK people more often say «blocked». Safety: pull a plug out by the plug, not by the cable.