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

In men and women over the age of 19, the average recommended daily intake of zinc—from food and supplements combined—is 13 milligrams per day and 9 milligrams per day, respectively. —Cynthia Sass, Health, 11 Dec. 2025

However, blueberries peak closer to an hour after intake, and citrus fruits can take five to seven hours, Rendeiro added. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2025

The steps include lining a short intake hose to the water before it can be turned on by a pull-start. —Ross Palombo, CBS News, 9 Dec. 2025

The zero-sugar treats come from a 2024 report that 66% of Americans are trying to reduce their sugar intake, according to a release. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

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
• eastlake
• forsake
• 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