input
IHN-puut
Input (noun) means Information, ideas, or effort contributed toward something. Example: “We would love your input before we finalize the design.”
noun
1
Information, ideas, or effort contributed toward something.
"We would love your input before we finalize the design."
"Her input on the budget was invaluable."
"The teacher welcomed input from every student before choosing the class trip."
2
Data or signals fed into a system, device, or process.
"The program produces different output depending on the input it receives."
"The machine stopped working because the wrong input was sent to the sensor."
"A microphone is an input device, since it sends sound into the computer."
verb
1
To enter data into a computer or system.
"Please input your details into the form below."
"She input the numbers into the spreadsheet one by one."
"He had to input his password twice before the screen unlocked."
How to use input
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething you put into a system, or the act of entering it — could be data, effort, or opinion.
Common pairings
give input
input data
valuable input
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Word forms
- Plural
- inputs
- Third person singular
- inputs
- Past tense
- inputted
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We would love your _____ before we finalize the design.
Etymology
From Middle English inputten, formed from in- plus put.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “input” mean?
The word “input” means information, ideas, or effort contributed toward something. In plain terms, something you put into a system, or the act of entering it — could be data, effort, or opinion.
How do you pronounce “input”?
“Input” is pronounced IHN-puut (/ˈɪnpʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “input” in a sentence?
Here is “input” used in a sentence: “We would love your input before we finalize the design.”
What part of speech is “input”?
Depending on how it is used, “input” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “input” come from?
The word “input” comes from Middle English. From Middle English inputten, formed from in- plus put.
Is “input” a common word?
“Input” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “input” have?
“Input” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: information, ideas, or effort contributed toward something.
What is the difference between "input" and "output"?
"Input" is what goes into a system, device, or process, such as data, effort, or ideas contributed. "Output" is what comes out, such as results or finished products. In everyday terms, input is the contribution and output is the result.
Is the past tense of "input" "input" or "inputted"?
Both "input" and "inputted" are accepted as the past tense, especially in the computing sense of entering data. "Input" (unchanged) is more common and widely preferred, while "inputted" is also considered correct. Choosing "input" is the safer option in formal writing.
What is the difference between "input" and "feedback"?
"Input" is any information, ideas, or effort someone contributes to a task or decision. "Feedback" is a response given specifically about something that has already been done or proposed. All feedback is a form of input, but not all input is feedback.
Can "input" be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, "input" means the ideas, effort, or data contributed to something. As a verb, "input" means to enter data into a device or system. The noun is the more common everyday use, while the verb is frequent in computing contexts.
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