import

1 of 3

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

import

2 of 3

noun (1)

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

importer

3 of 3

noun (2)

im·​por·​ter

pronunciation at 1import +ə(r)

: one that imports

especially : one whose business is the importation and sale of goods from a foreign country

Synonyms of import

Verb

• matter
• weigh
• mean

Noun (1)

• 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 (1)

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

People are questioning why others like Volvo, which is in fact Polestar's sister brand, and Ford Motor, which imports its Lincoln Nautilus from China, have been given the benefit of the doubt in this situation. — New Atlas, 4 July 2026

So for everyone who got offended by Team Norway’s decision to import around 1,276 pounds of food—and not around 2,000 pounds as some are claiming—just chill. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Noun

Currently, goods from India face 10 percent tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, as do all global imports. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 July 2026

According to product listings on online sales and import platforms, Fujian Huiteng makes shoes for both Chinese and foreign brands. — ABC News, 10 July 2026

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 (1)

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun (2)

1618, in the meaning defined above

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