intake

American  

[in-teyk] / ˈɪnˌteɪk /

noun

1. the place or opening at which a fluid is taken into a channel, pipe, etc.

2. an act or instance of taking in.

   an intake of oxygen.

3. something that is taken in.

4. a quantity taken in.

   an intake of 50 gallons a minute.

5. a narrowing; contraction.

---

intake British  

/ ˈɪnˌteɪk /

noun

1. a thing or a quantity taken in

   an intake of students

2. the act of taking in

3. the opening through which fluid enters a duct or channel, esp the air inlet of a jet engine

4. a ventilation shaft in a mine

5. a contraction or narrowing

   an intake in a garment

---

Etymology

Origin of intake

First recorded in 1515–25; noun use of verb phrase take in

Example Sentences

There is an intake of breath from the crowd every time he gets the ball at Etihad Stadium.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Flies that consumed caffeine during the day did not show the same pattern, indicating that the timing of caffeine intake plays a key role.

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

The analysts cite several challenges for CPG companies that could be structural, like a drag on volume from slower population growth and a demand shock as the rise of GLP-1 drugs reduces calorie intake.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

ICE maintains that Ramos-Solano received consistent medical care during his detention, noting he had been diagnosed with diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension upon intake in February and was treated daily for those conditions.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

I took a sharp intake of breath when he mentioned Dad.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben

Related Words

• absorption