insert

verb in·sert \ in-ˈsərt \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: insert in a Sentence

Definition of insert

inserted; inserting; inserts

transitive verb

1 : to put or thrust in

insert the key in the lock

2 : to put or introduce into the body of something : interpolate

insert a change in a manuscript

3 : to set in and make fast; especially : to insert by sewing between two cut edges

4 : to place into action (as in a game)

insert a new pitcher

intransitive verb

of a muscle : to be in attachment to the part to be moved

—

inserter

noun

See insert defined for English-language learners

See insert defined for kids

Examples of insert in a Sentence

Insert your credit card here.
You need to insert a comma between these two words.
insert a space between paragraphs
They tried to insert themselves into the conversation.

Recent Examples of insert from the Web

Place fish in steamer, cover pot and steam parcels until a cake tester inserted in center of each fillet emerges warm, indicating fish is cooked through, about 6 minutes.

— kitty greenwald, WSJ, "This Summery Coconut-Spice Halibut Is Great Steamed or Grilled," 26 June 2018
Grill, turning once, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part (avoiding the bone) registers 135°F, 10 to 14 minutes, basting with glaze (about 2/3 cup) during the last 4 minutes of cooking.

— kristina kurek, Country Living, "Bourbon BBQ Glazed Pork Chops," 13 June 2018
Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcake comes out clean.

— kevin ambrose, Washington Post, "What’s that wonderful smell? It’s honeysuckle season!," 4 June 2018
Bake in preheated oven 45 to 50 minutes, until toothpick inserted into middle comes out clean.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Thanks, Mom: Readers share food legacy their mothers left them," 8 May 2018
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

— harper's bazaar staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "You Can Re-Create Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Cake," 3 May 2018
Spoon into greased muffin tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

— maureen fitzgerald, Philly.com, "As class draws to a close, showing off their new cooking skills," 2 May 2018
Divide batter between muffin-pan cups (about 1/4 cup each) and bake until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes.

— the good housekeeping institute, Good Housekeeping, "Mint Julep Cupcakes," 24 Apr. 2018
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

— rochelle riley, Detroit Free Press, "Five finalists vie for 'Best Cupcake Ever' in contest to support literacy," 22 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of insert

Latin insertus, past participle of inserere, from in- + serere to join — more at series

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1529

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

insert Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of insert

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others. introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

- introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

- inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

- insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

- interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

- new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

- interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

- interjected a question

insert

noun in·sert \ ˈin-ˌsərt \

Definition of insert

: something that is inserted; especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)

See insert defined for English-language learners

Examples of insert in a Sentence

The pot comes with an insert for steaming.
advertising inserts in the Sunday paper
Each box includes an insert explaining the product's proper use.

Recent Examples of insert from the Web

In the last year, Metro replaced more than 90,000 upholstered inserts on buses, at a cost of more than $2 million.

— laura j. nelson, latimes.com, "Goodbye, upholstery. Hello, vinyl: L.A. Metro is phasing out some of its infamous fabric seats," 10 July 2018
The latter move inserts Amazon squarely into the $400 billion U.S. prescription drug market.

— dan gallagher, WSJ, "Why Amazon Needs to Do Everything," 30 June 2018
And some students are being equipped with equipment meant to protect them, like bulletproof backpack inserts and clear plastic bags designed to prevent students from bringing weapons into the classroom.

— time staff, Time, "How America's Schools Are Preparing for the Next Shooting," 19 June 2018
Sewn-in padding is safe in hand-washing and flat-drying, says Whiting; removable inserts, however, should be washed separately from the suit, and then reinserted when dry.

— halie lesavage, Glamour, "How to Make Your Swimsuits Last Until Next Summer," 24 May 2018
Yurk also broke out a straw hat with a green, plastic insert on the front brim for the outing.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Retro outing proves fishing fun - and gear - is timeless," 14 July 2018
For the beans: Bring a saucepan fitted with a steamer insert and several inches of water to a boil.

— sheryl julian, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Spanish tuna salad with tomatoes, eggs, olives, and onions will become your summer standby," 9 July 2018
That would be unwelcome news for ink suppliers, small manufacturers, and retailers that advertise with inserts and flyers.

— steve forbes, WSJ, "Trump’s Newsprint Tariff Is a Tax on America’s Free Press," 28 June 2018
Fox 29 reports that eighth-graders at St. Cornelius Catholic School in Chadd’s Ford, Pennsylvania were gifted with bulletproof inserts that can turn their backpacks into bulletproof vests in the event of a school shooter.

— Essence.com, "Pennsylvania School Gifts Graduating 8th Graders With Bulletproof School Accessories," 6 June 2018

First Known Use of insert

circa 1889

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

INSERT Defined for English Language Learners

insert

verb

Definition of insert for English Language Learners

: to put (something) in something
: to cause (someone) to be involved in an activity

insert

noun

Definition of insert for English Language Learners

: something that is put into something else; especially : a small section or piece of paper with information that is placed inside something

INSERT Defined for Kids

insert

verb in·sert \ in-ˈsərt \

Definition of insert for Students

inserted; inserting

: to put in or into

Insert a coin in the slot.

insert

noun in·sert \ ˈin-ˌsərt \

Definition of insert for Students

: something that is or is meant to be inserted

an advertising insert

Medical Dictionary

insert

intransitive verb in·sert \ in-ˈsərt \

medical Definition of insert

of a muscle

: to be in attachment to the part to be moved

Learn More about insert

See words that rhyme with insert Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for insert Spanish Central: Translation of insert Nglish: Translation of insert for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of insert for Arabic speakers

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insert

Definition of insert

inserter

Examples of insert in a Sentence

Recent Examples of insert from the Web

Origin and Etymology of insert

insert Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of insert

insert

Definition of insert

Examples of insert in a Sentence

Recent Examples of insert from the Web

First Known Use of insert

INSERT Defined for English Language Learners

insert

Definition of insert for English Language Learners

insert

Definition of insert for English Language Learners

INSERT Defined for Kids

insert

Definition of insert for Students

insert

Definition of insert for Students

Medical Dictionary

insert

medical Definition of insert

Learn More about insert

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