dongle

[ dong-guhl, dawng‑ ]

noun

, Digital Technology.

1. a hardware device, paired with a licensed copy of a software program, that must be plugged into a computer to authorize every use of the software:

   an antipiracy dongle.

2. a device that can be plugged into a hardware port on a computer, television, or other electronic device, to enable access when connecting devices to peripherals, to the internet, or to each other: an HDMI dongle with television apps;

   a USB dongle for wireless internet access;

   an HDMI dongle with television apps;

   a display port dongle to connect the laptop to the projector.

dongle

/ ˈdɒŋɡəl /

noun

1. computing an electronic device that accompanies a software item to prevent the unauthorized copying of programs

Word History and Origins

Origin of dongle¹

First recorded in 1980–85; probably an arbitrary coinage

Example Sentences

The Google Chromecast may be one of the easiest-to-use streaming dongles out there.

From Popular-Science

Chromecasts are designed to stream media from the web, but you can also use these dongles to cast files saved to your phone, tablet, or computer.

From Popular-Science

The company nixed the ubiquitous headphone jack from its smartphones, forcing the adoption of Bluetooth ear buds, and has eliminated certain ports in favor of thinness and streamlined design, making users rely on dongles to connect accessories.

From Washington Post

Galaxy SmartTagSamsung is expanding its SmartThings Find technology to include a stand-alone dongle that resembles a Tile.

From Popular-Science

Google has pushed out a brand new streaming dongle—the Chromecast with Google TV.

From Popular-Science

Google's hot new dongle won't wind up being a Roku replacement in my house.

From The Daily Beast

Out of the gate, the dongle currently supports just three major video platforms: YouTube, Netflix, and Google Play.

From The Daily Beast

First, I plugged the 3-inch dongle into the HDMI input on the back of my TV, and plugged it into its power source.

From The Daily Beast