AI dictionary

MCP Elicitation

An MCP pattern where a server asks the client to gather structured user input or send the user through an out-of-band URL flow.

Plain English

The connector can ask for the missing approval or detail without hiding that request inside the model prompt.

Example

A payroll MCP server asks the user to confirm a pay period before a tool call continues.

Why it matters

Elicitation is important for consent, sensitive credentials, and workflows that need user input mid-run.