input

American  

[in-poot] / ˈɪnˌpʊt /

noun

1. something that is put in.

2. the act or process of putting in.

3. the power or energy supplied to a machine.

4. the current or voltage applied to an electric or electronic circuit or device.

5. Computers.

   1. data to be entered into a computer for processing.

   2. the process of introducing data into the internal storage of a computer.

6. contribution of information, ideas, opinions, or the like.

   Before making a decision we need your input.

7. the available data for solving a technical problem.

8. Scot. a monetary contribution, as to charity.

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adjective

1. of or relating to data or equipment used for input.

   The goal is to reduce input costs.

verb (used with object)

inputted, input, inputting

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

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

input British  

/ ˈɪnˌpʊt /

noun

1. the act of putting in

2. that which is put in

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

4. electronics

   1. the signal or current fed into a component or circuit

   2. the terminals, or some other point, to which the signal is applied

5. computing the data fed into a computer from a peripheral device

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

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verb

1. (tr) to insert (data) into a computer

Etymology

Origin of input

First recorded in 1745–55; in- ¹ + put

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.

Example Sentences

“I have seen how student input has been sidelined and ignored.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

DuPont shares were up 1.6% premarket; the company plans 1% pricing to offset higher input costs.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Both domestic and imported inflation are likely to rise over the coming months, with firms set to raise output prices quickly in response to higher input costs, Pantheon Macroeconomics Europe economist Ankita Amajuri said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

This approach produces stronger output while requiring less input energy.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

First we are confronted—via an announcement on the computers through which we input orders—with the new rule that the hotel bar, the Driftwood, is henceforth off-limits to restaurant employees.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich

Related Words

• aid
• consultation
• encouragement
• guidance
• help
• information
• instruction
• judgment
• lesson
• news
• opinion
• prescription
• proposal
• recommendation
• suggestion
• tip
• view
• warning
• word