noun

dongle

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Dongle (noun) means a compact device that connects to an electronic gadget, commonly a computer, changing what it can do — for example a wireless modem, digital media player, software copy-protection device or adapter.

noun

A compact device that connects to an electronic gadget, commonly a computer, changing what it can do — for example a wireless modem, digital media player, software copy-protection device or adapter.

A piece of hardware that a particular program needs plugged in before it will run, as a way of stopping illegal copies.

"Take the dongle, for example. It is the summit of copy protection, an explicit melding of software and hardware. Without the right hardware key—the dongle—plugged into the machine's parallel port, the software won't run." — David McCandless, Warez Wars (1997)

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

Unknown. Likely a descendant of dangle, reflecting that electronic accessories such as computer peripherals often are plugged in via a flexible cable (although wirelessness is also often relevant). Claims that the word comes from a man named "Don Gall" were made up by an advertisement. First usage 1980-1985.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of dongle?

"dongle" (noun) means a compact device that connects to an electronic gadget, commonly a computer, changing what it can do — for example a wireless modem, digital media player, software copy-protection device or adapter.

What are the different meanings of dongle?

"dongle" has 2 main meanings: 1. A compact device that connects to an electronic gadget, commonly a computer, changing what it can do — for example a wireless modem, digital media player, software copy-protection device or adapter; 2. A piece of hardware that a particular program needs plugged in before it will run, as a way of stopping illegal copies.