intake

noun

in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk 

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

Synonyms

• 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

Squire initially reduced her calorie intake to 1,300 per day. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2024

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 20% of the body’s daily fluid intake comes from food, which presents even more opportunities to pack in extra moisture throughout the day. —Taylore Glynn, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024

Gift it to the runner or hiker who always asks for snacks and monitors his daily water intake. —Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2024

This may alter the food's taste and increase aluminum intake, which is linked to health concerns if consumed in large quantities over time. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intake

• intake manifold

Kids Definition

intake

noun

in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk 

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 

1

: the act or process of taking in

intake and exhalation of gases

2

: the amount taken in

reduce fluid intake to four cups daily

—D. R. Zimmerman