input

[in-poo t]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR input ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something that is put in.

the act or process of putting in.

the power or energy supplied to a machine.

the current or voltage applied to an electric or electronic circuit or device.Compare output(def 4).

Computers.

data to be entered into a computer for processing.
the process of introducing data into the internal storage of a computer.

contribution of information, ideas, opinions, or the like: Before making a decision we need your input.

the available data for solving a technical problem.

Scot. a monetary contribution, as to charity.

adjective

of or relating to data or equipment used for input: The goal is to reduce input costs.

verb (used with object), in·put·ted or in·put, in·put·ting.

Computers. to enter (data) into a computer for processing.

to contribute (ideas, information, or suggestions) to a project, discussion, etc.

Origin of input

First recorded in 1745–55; in-¹ + put

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for input

absorption, criticism, remark, observation, discussion, note, mention, opinion, report, commentary, judgment, review, grant, addition, improvement, increase, donation, input, information, word

Examples from the Web for input

Contemporary Examples of input

This story has been updated with input from the State Department.
Syrian Defector: Assad Poised to Torture and Murder 150,000 More
Josh Rogin
July 31, 2014
With input from the university attorney, we developed a policy based on banning sticks.
Stars and Bars on Cars in Texas
Robert Khayat
July 28, 2014
That was the first big piece of input from my personal interest that was put in the film.
‘Boyhood’ Star Ellar Coltrane: An Astonishing Debut 12 Years in the Making
Kevin Fallon
July 11, 2014
Over a period of weeks, the hacker builds trust and then Bolton asks for your input on a new website he is launching.
Iran Is Using a Neocon to Hack Its Foes
Eli Lake
May 30, 2014
Boahen noted that neurons in the brain take in input from many other neurons.
The Computer That Replicates a Human Brain
Dale Eisinger
May 1, 2014

Historical Examples of input

The efficiency of the boiler is the output divided by the input.
Engineering Bulletin No 1: Boiler and Furnace Testing
Rufus T. Strohm
For this transmitting set you need a transformer that has an input of 325 volts.
The Radio Amateur's Hand Book
A. Frederick Collins
You remember that an offer was made you of your input and interest, and you declined?
Gordon Keith
Thomas Nelson Page
There was a sharp fall-off on both sides of the input so direction could be precisely determined.
Deathworld
Harry Harrison
He had been sitting there waiting for that green line to move a full minute after the input signal had ceased.
Unwise Child
Gordon Randall Garrett

British Dictionary definitions for input

input

noun

the act of putting in

that which is put in

(often plural) a resource required for industrial production, such as capital goods, labour services, raw materials, etc

electronics

the signal or current fed into a component or circuit
the terminals, or some other point, to which the signal is applied

computing the data fed into a computer from a peripheral device

(modifier) of or relating to electronic, computer, or other input

verb -puts, -putting, -put or -putted

(tr) to insert (data) into a computer

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for input

1793, "a sum (of cash) put in," from in + put. Computing sense of "data fed into a machine" is from 1948; the verb in the computing sense is attested from 1946. There was a Middle English verb input (late 14c.) meaning "to put in, place, set," but it died out long before this.