unplugged; unplugging; unplugs
1
a
: to take a plug out of
b
: to remove an obstruction from
2
a
: to remove (a plug, such as an electric plug) from a socket or receptacle
b
: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug
unplug the refrigerator
: to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (such as computers or smartphones)
If you go on a summer vacation, how much are you willing to truly unplug? For many of us, it can be hard to put the phone down.—
Ari Shapiro
Ari Shapiro
also
: to temporarily withdraw from the responsibilities and obligations of everyday life (such as work or home duties)
Think of yourself as a human being instead of a human doer and make a conscious effort to unplug and recharge. —Bryan Robinson
Bryan Robinson 
Examples of unplug in a Sentence
I forgot to unplug my guitar from the amp.
the chimney should work just fine once it is unplugged and cleaned out
Recent Examples on the Web
If your ice maker doesn’t have an accessible On/Off switch, unplug your refrigerator during the cleaning process.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Be sure to unplug it after inflating or deflating the bed.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024
The emphasis is on unplugging from TVs and phones and relaxing and reconnecting.
—Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024
Beyond capturing all the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments, wedding content creators allow the couple, along with their friends and family, to be present on their big day by fully unplugging and living in the moment.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024
Ignore safety precautions: Always unplug the microwave before cleaning to prevent accidental activation.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
The goal of the family-friendly resort is to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024
One night under new management, staffers found transmission cables unplugged in the control room.
—Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar. 2024
To encourage participation in the Global Day of Unplugging, UScellular invites individuals to share their commitment to unplugging on their website.
—Jennifer "jay" Palumbo, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Be sure to unplug it after inflating or deflating the bed.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024
The emphasis is on unplugging from TVs and phones and relaxing and reconnecting.
—Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2024
Beyond capturing all the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments, wedding content creators allow the couple, along with their friends and family, to be present on their big day by fully unplugging and living in the moment.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024
Ignore safety precautions: Always unplug the microwave before cleaning to prevent accidental activation.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 26 Mar. 2024
The goal of the family-friendly resort is to unwind, unplug, and reconnect with nature.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024
One night under new management, staffers found transmission cables unplugged in the control room.
—Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar. 2024
To encourage participation in the Global Day of Unplugging, UScellular invites individuals to share their commitment to unplugging on their website.
—Jennifer "jay" Palumbo, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unplug.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near unplug
Cite this Entry
“Unplug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unplug. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unplug
verb
un·plug
ˌən-ˈpləg 
ˈən-
1
: to remove (as an electric plug) from a socket or opening
2
: to disconnect from an electric circuit by removing a plug
unplug the television
3
: }to temporarily refrain from using electronic devices (as computers or smartphones)
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