input

1 of 2

noun

in·​put ˈin-ˌpu̇t How to pronounce input (audio)
1
: something that is put in: such as
b
: information fed into a data processing system or computer
c
: power or energy put into a machine or system for storage, conversion in kind, or conversion of characteristics usually with the intent of sizable recovery in the form of output
d
: an amount put in
increased input of fertilizer increases crop yield
e
: a stimulus that acts on and is integrated into a bodily system
sensory input
f
: a component of production (such as land, labor, or raw materials)
2
: the means by which or the point at which an input (as of energy, material, or data) is made
3
: the act or process of putting in

input

2 of 2

verb

inputted or input; inputting

transitive verb

: to enter (data) into a computer or data processing system

Examples of input in a Sentence

Noun I need your input on what to have for dinner. She provided some valuable input at the start of the project. The computer gets its input from a keyboard or mouse. This VCR has several audio inputs. The job will require a considerable input of money. The data is ready for input into a computer. Verb She inputted the sales figures into the spreadsheet.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Diverting waste from landfills, and finding ways to use waste as an input, should therefore be less prone to the vicissitudes of party politics. Rob Day, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 With input from the Stoney Nakoda Nation, four separate installations evoke the mountain environment and Indigenous lore through music, video art and shimmering lights. Cindy Hirschfeld, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
It’s generally advised not to input any confidential information (or client info) into these systems. Edward Segal, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Users are first prompted to input their idea for a jewelry piece, which can range in specificity from a simple style like a chainlink bracelet to a more intricate piece like a zodiac pendant necklace with gemstones. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for input

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of input was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Input.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/input. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

input

1 of 2 noun
in·​put ˈin-ˌpu̇t How to pronounce input (audio)
1
: power, energy, a signal, or information put into a machine or system
2
3
: a point at which an input is put in
4
: the act or process of putting in

input

2 of 2 verb
inputted or input; inputting
: to enter (as data) into a computer

More from Merriam-Webster on input

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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