intake

noun

in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk How to pronounce intake (audio)
1
: an opening through which fluid enters an enclosure
2
a
: a taking in
b(1)
: the amount taken in
(2)
: something (such as energy) taken in : input

Examples of intake in a Sentence

You should limit your daily intake of fats and sugars. a larger intake of fluids the recommended daily intakes of selected vitamins a sudden intake of breath
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If iron absorption is a top priority, many healthcare professionals will encourage you to watch your intake of tannins—these plant compounds bind strongly to the mineral. Christina Manian, Health, 15 Feb. 2025 Modern scientists tested the potential effects of drinking such an acidic spirit from a toxic metal and found that one drinker’s daily lead intake would have been as high as 85 micrograms—enough to cause chronic lead poisoning, a.k.a. plumbism. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025 Stem trimming promotes fresh water intake, can help lengthen the lifespan of your flowers, and will help your stems stand up straight. Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025 The largest one-time expense, more than $1 million, would fund a dozen new positions for the remainder of 2025 and equipment to expand the prison’s transportation bureau that moves people in prison between different facilities and handles intakes and releases. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 12 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for intake 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intake was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intake

Cite this Entry

“Intake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intake. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

intake

noun
in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk How to pronounce intake (audio)
1
: a place where liquid or air is taken into something (as a pump)
2
: the act of taking in
an intake of breath
3
: something taken in
inadequate food intake

Medical Definition

intake

noun
in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk How to pronounce intake (audio)
1
: the act or process of taking in
intake and exhalation of gases
2
: the amount taken in
reduce fluid intake to four cups dailyD. R. Zimmerman

More from Merriam-Webster on intake

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