dongle

noun

don·​gle ˈdäŋ-gəl How to pronounce dongle (audio)
ˈdȯŋ-
: a small device that plugs into a computer and serves as an adapter or as a security measure to enable the use of certain software

Examples of dongle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
It can be used to connect Thunderbolt displays and peripherals, get native video performance for USB-C monitors and fastest speeds from USB-C devices, graphics adapters and dongles. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 The main keypad connects to a PC or Mac through USB-C, and the dialpad connects via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Bolt dongle (sold separately). Tom Warren, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024 Plug them in, and these cases act as dongles which can wirelessly transmit their own Bluetooth signal to the earbuds, enabling high-quality sound while listening to music, movies etc. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2024 Considering that the laptop has only one USB-C port, connecting the AC adapter will keep you from using a USB-C peripheral without a dongle, which owners of a 16-inch productivity laptop should not have to put up with. PCMAG, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dongle 

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of dangle

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dongle was in 1981

Dictionary Entries Near dongle

Cite this Entry

“Dongle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dongle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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