import

verb

im·​port im-ˈpȯrt  ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

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

The words imported that some changes had to be made.

b

: imply

Her reminder imported that I would forget.

c

archaic : express, state

3

archaic : to be of importance to : concern

intransitive verb

: to be of consequence : matter

importable

im-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl 

ˈim-ˌpȯr-

adjective

importer noun

Synonyms of import

• matter
• weigh
• mean

Examples of import in a Sentence

a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S.

software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive

Recent Examples on the Web

The Italian Lounge, for example, has a magnificent blue-and-gold ceiling imported from the Grimation Palace in Florence in the late 19th century. —Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026

Europe remains strategically exposed, importing 58% of its energy at a cost of more than $466 billion annually. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Federal prosecutors said that the animals were imported without obtaining the necessary permits through CITES, or the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. —Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 31 May 2026

At that time, the total power ERCOT was able to import from the neighboring systems could cover only about 6% of the demand. —Sufan Jiang, Fortune, 30 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

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

Rhymes for import

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort

Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb

im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt  -ˈpȯ(ə)rt 

ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt, 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: mean entry 2 sense 2

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 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: meaning entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance

3

: something brought into a country