feedback

noun

feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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
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.
Some are already using it to provide feedback on student writing. Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Please reach out with feedback, tips or ideas in English or Spanish. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2025 The Corning Gorilla Glass touchpad includes haptic feedback and stylus support, giving you a smooth (albeit small) pad for pen controls. Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025 This never-ending feedback loop perpetuates a global community, and economy, centered around the enigma that is Dylan. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for feedback

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of feedback was in 1918

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feedback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feedback. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

feedback

noun
feed·​back ˈfēd-ˌbak How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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 How to pronounce feedback (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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