intake

noun

in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk How to pronounce intake (audio)
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

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
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.
To manage your thirst, try limiting your salt intake, drinking enough water throughout the day, and regulating your bedroom temperature. Lauren O'Connor, Health, 23 Oct. 2025 Fish and seafood intake in a pescatarian pattern is linked to better heart health and may support metabolic health, though research is still emerging. Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025 Re-Calvin is powered by Trove’s new Takeback Plug-In, which enables Calvin Klein to manage item intake, routing and transparency at scale. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025 That education begins during an in-depth intake session, where Help Hope Solutions’ team explains therapy methods and, crucially, the role of positive reinforcement. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intake

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intake was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Intake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intake. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

intake

noun
in·​take ˈin-ˌtāk How to pronounce intake (audio)
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 How to pronounce intake (audio)
1
: the act or process of taking in
intake and exhalation of gases
2
: the amount taken in
reduce fluid intake to four cups dailyD. R. Zimmerman

More from Merriam-Webster on intake

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