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

Wensveen said Joey arrived in extremely poor condition after being found abandoned and was considered an emergency intake because of his fragile health. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Managing diabetes involves carefully monitoring your carbohydrate intake, taking medication, or using insulin. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Nov. 2025

People watching their carbohydrate intake or blood sugar may need smaller portions of potatoes. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 26 Nov. 2025

Inmates at jail intake are sleeping in chairs, and jail officials are asking county commissioners for funding to help address problems, such as a corrections employees shortage. —Adrian Sainz The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 26 Nov. 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