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

Some experts don’t think doubling protein intake is as important to building muscle as resistance training, a type of exercise that creates force and strain on muscles to signal the body to repair and grow more muscle. — Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

McCollough was direct about her views on Watts’ role in her substance intake. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026

Pelekhaty, the clinical nutrition specialist, noted that if sedentary individuals reduce their protein intake without reducing overall calories, it will be replaced by other macronutrients. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026

These findings were true after adjusting for factors that influence cardiovascular health, such as physical activity, BMI, and total calorie intake. — Allison Forsyth, HEALTH, 20 Aug. 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