feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source

also : the information so transmitted

b

: the partial reversion (see reversion sense 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

2

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

3

: a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

Examples of feedback in a Sentence

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products.

He asked for some feedback from his boss.

The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors.

We were getting some feedback from the microphone.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Active Transportation Commission will provide feedback on four ongoing projects related to Fruitridge Road, one of Sacramento’s most dangerous thoroughfares; Arden Way and Auburn Boulevard; Stockton Boulevard, including bus routes along the roadway; and bike lanes on T Street. —Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Invite feedback to ensure future collaborations work well for everyone. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026

Too often, advisory bodies provide feedback after decisions have already been made rather than helping shape them from the beginning. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

There is nothing like feedback from our peers in the form of facial expressions, feeling, laughter, physical touch. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feedback

• feedback inhibition
• negative feedback
• positive feedback

Rhymes for feedback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

a

: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process

b

: noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal

2

: the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source

also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

Medical Definition

feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak 

1

: the return to the input of part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)

2

a

: the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage

b

: the return to a point of origin of evaluative or corrective information about an action or process

patient feedback was solicited

also : the information so transmitted