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 of intake

• 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

Launched in 2008, the effort includes both a new low-level water intake closer to the lake’s bottom and a pumping station to lift that water back up 500 feet. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Products including Corona Cero and Michelob ULTRA Zero allow consumers to participate in familiar social rituals while managing their alcohol intake. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Constipation has many possible causes, including medications, certain medical conditions, low physical activity, and insufficient fiber intake. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

On top of that, SRT engineers had to make room for what is effectively a third air intake for the little electrical compressor. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing intake

• intake manifold

Rhymes for intake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache

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