Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
plug and play, plug'n'play
  1. a feature of hardware that enables computers to automatically detect and configure hardware devices without the need for intervention
 plug-and-play
  1. capable of detecting the addition of a new input or output device and automatically activating the appropriate control software

Abbreviation: PnP
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
Plug′ and Play′, 
  1. Computing([sometimes l.c.]) a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.
  • 1990–95

Plug′ and Play′, 
  1. Computing([sometimes l.c.]) a standard for the production of compatible computers, peripherals, and software that facilitates device installation and enables automatic configuration of the system.
  • 1990–95

'plug and play' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
PnP

Forum discussions with the word(s) "plug and play" in the title:


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