Plug and Play

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.

plug and play

noun

1. computing a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention

adjective

1. capable of detecting the addition of a new input or output device and automatically activating the appropriate control software

Word History and Origins

Origin of Plug and Play¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Medgene uses baculovirus, which normally infects insects, as a “platform” into which the company can “plug and play” different influenza genes to produce vaccines against specific viruses.

From Science Magazine

"This suggests that adding replacement neurons isn't plug and play," Baldwin says.

From Science Daily

“They’ve gone from it being plug and play here and there,” said Brandon Huffman, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, “to it being almost the complete approach, which I’m not sure that’s the best way to go. The danger of going to the portal with plug and play is you’re not developing and not getting the cohesiveness and then you might have a year where you lose six of those guys on one side of the ball, then what?”

From Los Angeles Times

While dipping heavily into the transfer portal is widely referred to as plug and play, UCLA’s recent approach under Chip Kelly might be best described as plug and pray.

From Los Angeles Times

Wright played right tackle in college, and The Athletic projects him to be a “plug and play” starter at the next level.

From Washington Times