import

1 of 2

verb

imported; importing; imports

transitive verb

1
: to bring from a foreign or external source: such as
a
: to bring (something, such as merchandise) into a place or country from another country
b
: to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file
2
a
: to bear or convey as meaning or portent : signify
b
: imply
c
archaic : express, state
3
archaic : to be of importance to : concern

intransitive verb

: to be of consequence : matter
importable
im-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpȯr-
adjective
importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
1
: something that is imported
2
3
: importance
especially : relative importance
it is hard to judge the import of this decision
4

Examples of import in a Sentence

Verb a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S. software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive Noun This car is an import from Italy. They sell luxury imports from around the world. laws affecting the import of foreign goods This is an issue of little import to voters. a matter of great import
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
They were first imported to the southeastern U.S. in the 1970s to control weeds in aquaculture farms and eventually escaped into the river. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024 This insight is consistent with the Lerner Symmetry Theorem that states that import tariffs and export taxes have the same effect on relative prices. Nick Sargen, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
Tariff hikes could backfire Trump has proposed sweeping tariffs of up to 20% on all $3 trillion of US imports. Matt Egan, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 On October 16, 2023— World Food Day— President Bio unveiled Feed Salone, a sweeping plan to reduce Sierra Leone’s reliance on foreign food imports, tackle malnutrition, bolster resilience to climate change, and uplift rural communities across the country. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for import 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of import was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near import

Cite this Entry

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/import. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb
im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio) -ˈpȯ(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt,
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
2
: to be important : matter
3
: to bring (as goods) into a country from another country usually for selling
imports coffee
imported cars
importer noun

import

2 of 2 noun
im·​port ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
2
3
: something brought into a country

More from Merriam-Webster on import

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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