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
Noun
Ask a Question Question stream area all chats Chat area Question input area. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024 The Andover-One, powered by a 150-watt Class D amplifier, comes with multiple analog and digital inputs to connect CD players or music streamers as well as an output for an optional subwoofer. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 Unraveling the Brightest Gamma Ray Burst of All Time The Causes of a Gamma Ray Burst In any such event, the result of the massive input of energy generated by a collapsing star is an equally massive output: a gamma-ray burst. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024 Once the input has been processed, the model must now apply what it’s learned to help select its next word. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 The Four 8 Fried Chicken menu, which draws from Keenan's family recipes with input from chef Monty Frost, was designed to pair with sparkling Arizona meads, ciders and wines. The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 Large language models can misinterpret input or even fabricate inaccurate responses, an effect called hallucination. Carla K. Johnson, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 Two of the systems reviewed, one from Tesla and another from BMW, reportedly continued to switch between lanes without a new input form the driver, even after a driver has stopped for more than two minutes. Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2024 As a result, the scientists could reduce the input power the device required by roughly an order of magnitude. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2024
Verb
Last week, the app delivered push notifications to users' phones and prompted them to input their ZIP code to find their House representative to urge them to oppose the bill. USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024 Passengers input their destination via an app and can sit in the front or the backseat, but are not allowed in the driver’s seat, according to Waymo. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 In Orange County, for example, the Registrar has a tool that requires you to input your date of birth and the last four digits of your driver’s license, California ID or Social Security number. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 1 Mar. 2024 Downtown Spirits in Seattle installed Just Walk Out technology in August, with owner Marques Warren believing the technology, which prompts customers to input their credit card and personal information, would deter shoplifting. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2024 Its touch screen display tracks the ball’s distance from any hole and recommends clubs based on typical distances that golfer hits (information the owner inputs into the app during set up). Amy Schlinger, wsj.com, 19 Dec. 2023 Employees need access to correct information to do their jobs effectively, so skilled data entry operators who can input and organize data quickly and accurately are a necessity. Eric Friedman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 To claim the bonus, visit the cashier and input your code after selecting a payment option. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The only real issue is dedicated keys that input certain multi-key commands, since these will differ from one operating system to another. Henri Robbins, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'input.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near input

Cite this Entry

“Input.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/input. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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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