What does "input" mean?

1. (advice or ideas) ideas, advice, or opinions that you share to help with a project or decision. 2. (computing data) information or signals that are put into a computer or machine. 3. (electrical connection) the place where you plug a wire into a piece of electronic equipment. 4. (to enter data) to type or put information into a computer system.

How do you use "input"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to advice. The past tense and past participle can be either 'input' or 'inputted'.

input

n. · v.

US //ˈɪnˌpʊt// UK //ˈɪnpʊt// in·put

1 advice or ideas (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

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

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

Example

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

Example

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.
- output
2 computing data (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

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

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

Example

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

Example

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

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3 electrical connection (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

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

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

Example

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

Example

The amplifier features multiple digital inputs, allowing users to connect several high-fidelity sources simultaneously.
4 to enter data (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

to type or put information into a computer system.

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

Example

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

Example

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'.

Origin

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