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

Exactly how does its deep-water intake connect, disconnect, and survive that process? — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Best Dosage for Absorption Calcium intake and calcium absorption have an inverse relationship. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026

Under Department of Homeland Security regulations, all immigrant detainees must receive a basic health screening within 12 hours of intake. — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

While popular injectable weight-loss medications such as semaglutide can produce substantial weight loss partly by reducing food intake, some patients experience gastrointestinal side effects and loss of lean mass. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 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
• forsake
• gouache
• 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