import

1 of 2

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

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 

ˈim-ˌpȯr-

adjective

importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

1

: something that is imported

2

: importation

3

: importance

especially : relative importance

it is hard to judge the import of this decision

4

: purport, signification

Synonyms

Verb

• matter
• weigh
• mean

Noun

• importance
• significance
• consequence
• magnitude

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

For the time being, that means pharmaceuticals, for instance, could be imported from countries duty-free. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2025

Invasive carp were first imported to the southeastern U.S. in the 1970s to control weeds in aquaculture farms. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Noun

By charging high fees on imports, empires throughout history could influence who their subjects bought goods from and raise money through fee collection. —Reco McCambry, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Across the economy, there is evidence that import taxes are raising prices and slowing growth. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for import

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

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