1
a
: the transmission of evaluative or corrective information about an action, event, or process to the original or controlling source
also : the information so transmitted
b
: the partial reversion (see reversion sense 3a) of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage
2
: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)
3
: a rumbling, whining, or whistling sound resulting from an amplified or broadcast signal (such as music or speech) that has been returned as input and retransmitted

Examples of feedback in a Sentence

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products. He asked for some feedback from his boss. The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors. We were getting some feedback from the microphone.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gathering feedback after checkout provides insights into service quality, cleanliness and overall satisfaction. Nevila Dudaj, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 Officials are gathering feedback from residents about how to address the impact of Interstates 670 and 35 carving through the Westside, which took out over 1,000 homes and about 120 acres in the historic neighborhood and hub for Kansas City’s Latino community. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 17 Mar. 2025 That includes having family feedback on curriculum and offering dental clinics, free household goods and adult classes at the school. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 16 Mar. 2025 The rumble force matched the action, with the loud, growling thumps of getting killed causing the most feedback. PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feedback

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of feedback was in 1918

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feedback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feedback. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
a
: the return to the input of a part of the output of a machine, system, or process
b
: noise resulting from the feedback of an amplified or broadcast signal
2
: the giving or sending of information or of something from which information can be obtained about the value, effect, or result of an action or process to the controlling source
also : the information or information-containing material so given or sent

Medical Definition

1
: the return to the input of part of the output of a machine, system, or process (as for producing changes in an electronic circuit that improve performance or in an automatic control device that provide self-corrective action)
2
a
: the partial reversion of the effects of a process to its source or to a preceding stage
b
: the return to a point of origin of evaluative or corrective information about an action or process
patient feedback was solicited
also : the information so transmitted
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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