English Reference
noun · verb

input

n. · v.
US /ˈɪnˌpʊt/ UK /ˈɪnpʊt/ in·put UK spelling input's, input's, inputted, inputting

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    n.ideas, advice, or opinions that you share to help with a project or decision.

    n.contribution of work, information, or opinion intended to influence a decision or outcome.

    Simple

    The manager asked for my input on the new office design before making a final choice.

    In context

    The committee welcomed stakeholder input during the initial drafting phase to ensure the new policy addressed community concerns.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to advice.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    n.information or signals that are put into a computer or machine.

    n.data or signals fed into a process or device for processing or storage.

    Simple

    The system failed because the data input was in the wrong format.

    In context

    The algorithm requires high-quality sensor input to calculate the trajectory with the necessary precision.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.the place where you plug a wire into a piece of electronic equipment.

    n.a component, such as a jack or socket, where a signal or power enters an electronic device.

    Simple

    Check the audio input on the back of the TV if you can't hear any sound.

    In context

    The amplifier features multiple digital inputs, allowing users to connect several high-fidelity sources simultaneously.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    v.to type or put information into a computer system.

    v.to enter data into a computer or electronic system for processing.

    Simple

    It took the clerk all afternoon to input the customer details into the database.

    In context

    The researchers spent weeks inputting the raw survey results into the statistical software for further analysis.

    Usage

    The past tense and past participle can be either 'input' or 'inputted'.

Usage additional input · direct input · input direct

Like traditional weather models, it benefits from an expanded set of inputs.

Ars Technica· 8 Sept 2026

When a small business owner doesn’t know what their inputs will cost a few months from now or how customers will respond, it becomes much harder to invest, hire or plan for growth.

Toronto Sun· 4 Sept 2026

From Middle English inputten, equivalent to in- + put.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English inputten
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated