K-Culture GlossaryㅍWords from the people who build
Plugin
An add-on component that plugs new capabilities into an AI service — a packaged unit of skills, connectors, and tools.
In plain words
A plugin is an add-on component that "plugs into" software to add functionality. The word predates AI — browser extensions and Photoshop filters are all plugins. The idea is a part that adds a capability without opening up the main program.
On the AI side, it refers to a package that adds abilities to a chatbot or agent. Tool connections (MCP connectors), task know-how (skills), and instructions are bundled into one box and "installed," expanding what the AI can do. For example, installing an "Accounting Team plugin" might instantly equip the AI with accounting terminology, internal policies, and a connection to the accounting system.
In articles, this often comes up in the context of ecosystems. Just as app stores launched the smartphone era, there's an expectation that plugin marketplaces will become the app stores of the AI era — headlines like "Company X launches plugin marketplace" reflect this trend.
How it shows up in the news
"Plugins made by third-party developers have surpassed 10,000" — plugin counts are typically cited as a growth metric for a platform's ecosystem.
See also
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