# input device

CEFR B1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/input-device
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

a piece of equipment that lets you send information or instructions to a computer.

For teachers: a hardware component used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system. Countable; typically used in technical or educational contexts regarding computing.

## Examples

- A mouse is a common input device.
- The technician checked every input device, including the keyboard and the scanner, to find the connection error.
- Modern gaming consoles rely on a variety of input devices, ranging from traditional handheld controllers to sophisticated motion-tracking cameras.

## Usage notes

- usually refers to physical hardware rather than software interfaces.
- Teaching tip: contrast this with 'output device' (like a monitor or printer) to help students understand the direction of data flow.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.