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
Verb
Visit the Original Los Angeles Flower Market for the city’s best selection of local and imported flowers. Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 Hollywood is an export business, but many studios belong to companies such as Sony and Apple that also import electronics and other goods to the U.S. Brent Lang, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Trump has proposed a 10% to 20% tariff increase on imports and up to 60% on imports from China. Kim Jarrett | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Oct. 2024 Following its invasion in February 2022, most of Europe’s imports of natural gas from Russia ended. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for import 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'import.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 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

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