donglen.
/ˈdɒŋɡl/, U.S. /ˈdɑŋɡəl/ 1. Computing. A small software protection device which must be plugged into a computer to enable the protected software to be used.
ΘΚΠ
society > computing and information technology > software > [noun] > means of protecting
firewall1971
dongle1981
1981 New Scientist 1 Oct. 24/3 Many programs written for the Pet computer make use of a device known as a dongle. The dongle is an extra piece of memory that is plugged into the computer, without which the program refuses to run.
1993 Guardian 26 Aug. ii. 21/2 The only drawback is that Cubase uses a hardware copy protection device, a dongle.
2005 N. Gershenfeld FAB 45 A dreaded hardware ‘dongle’ installed on the computer must authorize use of the software.
2013 E. Winer Audio Expert vi. 181 If the dongle is not detected, the program refuses to run.
2. A small device that plugs into a computer, printer, smartphone, etc., to provide additional functionality or to act as an adaptor; esp. one used to enable access to a wireless network.
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1990 CU Amiga Apr. 5/2 With the addition of a plug-in Dongle the Amiga version will also feature a four player mode.
2003 T3 Mar. 41/2 I could buy a Bluetooth dongle for my Mac for about £30 but I'd then have so shell out £100 for OSX.
2005 Word Feb. 127/3 There is no greater pleasure than jacking a USB dongle into someone else's computer and showing off your latest pictures, downloads or other stuff.
2008 Daily Tel. 1 May 29/1 By plugging a simple bit of kit, known as a ‘dongle’, into your computer's USB port, you can now access the internet anywhere you can get a phone signal—be it the park, bus or train.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1981