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

Many of my clients still need to plan meals, track intake, work with a dietitian, build habits, and stay active to reach their goals. —Self Staff, SELF, 9 Jan. 2026

For women, this meant decreasing intake to about 400 to 600 calories three days per week, while men reduced calories to around 500 to 700. —Sarah Garone, Health, 9 Jan. 2026

Recommending a higher protein intake goes beyond the mission of the dietary guidelines. —Cristina Palacios, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

For most people, this isn’t a significant concern because sodium intake is already high and readily available in food, according to Zenker. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 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
• 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