plugin
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for plugin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A separate piece of software that adds a feature to an existing program without changing the program itself, and which can be installed or removed independently.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun neutral
A separate piece of software that adds a feature to an existing program without changing the program itself, and which can be installed or removed independently.
“There is a plugin that adds a booking calendar to the site.”
Opposites
2. adjective technical
Designed to be added to a larger system in this way.
“The editor has a plug-in architecture, so anyone can extend it.”
How to Use Plugin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Written plugin or plug-in; both are accepted, and plug-in is more usual in edited prose.
Etymology
From the phrasal verb plug in, on the image of plugging an extra part into a socket.
Full origin of plugin →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a plugin and an extension?
In practice they mean much the same thing: an optional add-on. Browsers now mostly use extension, while content systems such as WordPress use plugin. Historically browser plug-ins were separate programs that handled particular file types, which is no longer how browsers work.
What is the difference between a plugin and a library?
A plugin is installed into a finished program by its user or administrator and works within the rules that program sets. A library is code a developer includes while building software, before it is finished.
Why can plugins break a website?
Plugins are written by different people and each can change how the site behaves. Two plugins altering the same thing, or one written for an older version of the host software, can conflict and cause errors.