feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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 To share feedback, please visit nytimes.com/readerfeedback. New York Times, 17 Mar. 2024 However, such a system relies on fast feedback loops to allow trial and error–at a company level to test technologies, and at an industry level to back the winners and shut down the losers. Sassie Duggleby, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024 Brewster said the committee, which is also in charge of drawing up the area maps, is actively seeking feedback from the community to ensure the areas are fair. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 Expanding on his perspective regarding public opinion, O'Neal tells PEOPLE he's learned to take feedback with a grain of salt. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 More details will be unveiled this spring for feedback from Milwaukee residents and property owners, followed by a commission and council review. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 If possible, seek feedback from senior managers directly. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 When hunting deals, Ramakrishnan says the firm also relies heavily on customer feedback. John Kell, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Beyond releasing more nutrients for more trees and shrubs to grow—a sort of self-perpetuating feedback loop—permafrost is also releasing planet-warming gases, driving still more warming: The microbes feeding on that ancient plant material release carbon dioxide and methane as byproducts. Matt Simon, WIRED, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feedback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of feedback was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near feedback

Cite this Entry

“Feedback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feedback. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

feedback

noun
feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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 How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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