insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: something that is inserted: such as

a

: the part of a muscle that inserts

b

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

c

: embroidery or needlework inserted as ornament between two pieces of fabric

d

: a section of genetic material that is inserted into an existing gene sequence

2

a

: the act or process of inserting

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

in-ˈsər-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of insertion in a Sentence

Treatment may include the insertion of a tube in his ear.

The report contains a number of insertions.

Recent Examples on the Web

The booster successfully came back down to Earth and splashed down in the Gulf as planned and all six of Starship's engines powered it into successful orbital insertion. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Vincent had liposuction, while Luz got a mini facelift, a lipectomy — which removes loose skin and fat around the waist — as well as a Brazilian butt lift and the insertion of breast implants, both of which she's since reversed. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

The aircraft would also support precision airdrop operations, with design specifications allowing 3G maneuvering during heavy cargo release or airborne troop insertion. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025

Quality metrics include long-stay and short-stay data like percentages of hospitalizations, vaccinations, falls, residents who need help with daily activities and catheter insertions and pressure ulcers. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• exertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the act or process of inserting

2

a

: something inserted

b

: the part of a muscle that is attached to a part to be moved

3

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

Medical Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved compare origin sense 2

2

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

3

a

: a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective