feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source

also : the information so transmitted

b

: the partial reversion (see reversion sense 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

2

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

3

: a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

Examples of feedback in a Sentence

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products.

He asked for some feedback from his boss.

The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors.

We were getting some feedback from the microphone.

Recent Examples on the Web

The city council in May voted to put together an ad hoc committee to come up with ideas to improve Saratoga’s commercial scene, and the group has been meeting with residents and community members since then to solicit feedback and brainstorm ideas. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Here’s to the week ahead, and don’t hesitate to reach out with comments, questions, feedback, joy, or your idea for tariff of the week! —Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

The 1mm of key travel is a little shallow, but the typing experience is solid, with good feedback and easy-to-read key legends, as well as effective key backlighting. —Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

The council members are available to offer feedback on day-to-day activities of the agency and to help explain to the public some of the rationale behind more complex efforts Game and Fish is undertaking. —Arkansas Game and Fish, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feedback

• feedback inhibition
• negative feedback
• positive feedback

Kids Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process

b

: noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal

2

: the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source

also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

Medical Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

: the return to the input of part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

2

a

: the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

b

: the return to a point of origin of evaluative or corrective information about an action or process

patient feedback was solicited

also : the information so transmitted