input
Americannoun
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something that is put in.
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the act or process of putting in.
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the power or energy supplied to a machine.
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the current or voltage applied to an electric or electronic circuit or device.
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Computers.
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data to be entered into a computer for processing.
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the process of introducing data into the internal storage of a computer.
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contribution of information, ideas, opinions, or the like.
Before making a decision we need your input.
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the available data for solving a technical problem.
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Scot. a monetary contribution, as to charity.
adjective
verb (used with object)
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Computers. to enter (data) into a computer for processing.
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to contribute (ideas, information, or suggestions) to a project, discussion, etc.
noun
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the act of putting in
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that which is put in
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(often plural) a resource required for industrial production, such as capital goods, labour services, raw materials, etc
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electronics
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the signal or current fed into a component or circuit
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the terminals, or some other point, to which the signal is applied
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computing the data fed into a computer from a peripheral device
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(modifier) of or relating to electronic, computer, or other input
verb
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have inputperfect
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has inputtedperfect 3rd person singular
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have inputtedperfect
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has inputperfect 3rd person singular
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am inputtingprogressive 1st person singular
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are inputtingprogressive
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has been inputtingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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have been inputtingperfect progressive
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inputssingular 3rd person
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is inputtingprogressive 3rd person singular
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inputtingparticiple
Past
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had inputperfect
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had inputtedperfect
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were inputtingprogressive plural
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had been inputtingperfect progressive
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was inputtingprogressive singular
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inputtedsimple
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inputtedparticiple
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inputsimple
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inputparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of input
Explanation
Input is that which is, well, put in—whether literally, as in "the input from the guitar to the speaker," or more conceptually, as in "the group leader wanted everybody's input." The verb input, in the computer sense, didn't exist much before the late 1940's when it became common among computer professionals, who input data into their machines. Why they weren't satisfied just to "put in" the data, we may never know. Before that, the noun input was an economic term meaning anything that went into production: the grain was just one input among several required for the production of cereal. But often, these days, input means a contribution of some kind, usually a thought. You'll thank me for my input later.
Vocabulary lists containing input
Economics
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Unit 1: Ecological Systems
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Geometry - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Input prices rose at the fastest pace in 43 months, while the rate of output charge inflation accelerated to a record high.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Input prices fell the most since March 2024—another positive for the sector.
From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025
Input would be solicited from “experts in the field, labor partners, staff, students and parents,” and details would come back to the school board for approval within 120 days.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2024
Input from young women such as Kaiesha will be vital.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2024
Input Mode tyi iot 4 This operation is completely asynchronous and is therefore handled differently than any of the preceding in-out operations.
From Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) October, 1960 by Digital Equipment Corporation
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
