What does "output" mean?

1. (production amount) the amount of something that a person, machine, or factory produces. 2. (computer data) the information or results that a computer sends out to a screen or printer. 3. (to produce data) to show or send out information from a computer.

How do you use "output"?

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a general rate of production. Can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific sets of data. The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the data being produced.

output

n. · v.

US //ˈaʊtˌpʊt// UK //ˈaʊtpʊt// out·put

1 production amount (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Economics

the amount of something that a person, machine, or factory produces.

the total quantity of goods or services produced by a worker, machine, or organisation within a specific timeframe.

Example

The factory increased its weekly output by installing new robotic arms.

Example

Economists noted that industrial output remained stagnant despite the government's efforts to subsidise energy costs for manufacturers.

Usage

Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to a general rate of production.
- input
2 computer data (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

the information or results that a computer sends out to a screen or printer.

the data produced by a computer system or program, typically directed to a peripheral device or another software component.

Example

The computer output showed an error message because the file was missing.

Example

The software allows users to redirect the standard output to a text file for further analysis of the system logs.

Usage

Can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific sets of data.
- result
- readout
- input

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3 to produce data (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

to show or send out information from a computer.

to generate or transmit data from a computational process to an external device or interface.

Example

The program will output the final results as a PDF document.

Example

The script is designed to output real-time sensor data directly to the dashboard for the engineering team to monitor.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the data being produced.
- input

Origin

From out + (verb) put; nominalisation of put out.