insert

verb in·sert \ in-ˈsərt \

Definition of insert

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

Pres Trump, maybe you and your vision for what healthcare should be inserted in the process.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Is it time President Trump held a press conference?," 11 Aug. 2017
Unfortunately, other fans were quick to seek someone else to blame, and decided to insert Jennifer Lawrence into the narrative, pointing the finger at her for the reason why Chris and Anna split.

— de elizabeth, Teen Vogue, "Fans Accuse Jennifer Lawrence of Causing Chris Pratt and Anna Faris's Breakup," 7 Aug. 2017
Led by Edward Torrez of Chicago's BauerLatoza Studio, the project inserted new concrete foundations, stabilized the belfry tower and removed the offending stucco to reveal original wood siding.

— blair kamin, chicagotribune.com, "Restoration of church, apartment complex reveal value of neighborhood architectural gems," 4 Aug. 2017
On Monday night, a ventilator was inserted down his throat and he was kept unconscious with drugs, Mary was told.

— fred dickey, sandiegouniontribune.com, "'You come into this world taking your first breath, and ...'," 28 July 2017
Ten games were called using a high-tech electronic bingo system with a large lighted board, and bonus mini-games were inserted in between to add to the fun.

— joyce rudolph, Glendale News-Press, "On the Town: Decorating contest is icing on the cake during celebration," 25 July 2017
Some viruses replicate themselves by inserting their DNA into the genomes of their hosts.

— The Economist, "Gene drivesA promising means of pest control meets some evolutionary truths," 22 July 2017
As Sarah Elizabeth Richards writes today, some fertility doctors have begun to use a method that significantly lowers the cost of IVF treatments by allowing a woman to incubate embryos inside a device inserted in her vagina.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: High-Stakes Hearing," 12 July 2017
This leads to a number of awkward scenes between Holland and Robert Downey Jr., with Stark inserting himself as a condescending father figure.

— matt miller, Esquire, "Spider-Man: Homecoming Would Have Been Better Without Iron Man," 7 July 2017

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

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

Comcast’s marketing for Sunrun — which will launch later this year — will be through online banner ads, bill inserts and direct mail to subscribers.

— bob fernandez, Philly.com, "Coming soon to Comcast cable customers who want them: Solar roofs," 25 Aug. 2017
The Sanctuary S has a lot of other cool features, like an insert to hold your moss and keep the terrarium nice and tidy and a selection of chic bases that includes marble and concrete.

— cindy dampier, chicagotribune.com, "Magic garden: A tiny, moss-filled pleasure dome for your desk," 17 Aug. 2017
Look for supportive shoes with inserts, moisturize your feet two times a day, and exfoliate (Dr. Brenner suggests Dr. Brenner’s Rx Foot Care System).

— kristin canning, Health.com, "This Man’s Callus-Shaving Video Went Viral. Here's What a Podiatrist Thinks," 15 Aug. 2017
Eighteen exterior color combinations are available – nine with the black roof and nine monotone – with either black or black/ski gray leather bucket seats with perforated leather inserts.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Jeep rolls out the redesigned Compass compact crossover, starting at $20,995," 21 July 2017
Cover with foil, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze 4-6 hours or overnight.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Beach cocktail: Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita recipe," 28 June 2017
Cover with foil, insert popsicle sticks, and freeze 4-6 hours or overnight.

— molly kimball, OregonLive.com, "Essential oils: Fact, fiction, recipes for this popular health trend," 28 June 2017
But an ad touting Ohio's drone technology in an Economist magazine insert last week got that fact wrong.

— jackie borchardt, cleveland.com, "Oops. JobsOhio ad says John Glenn orbited the moon," 23 June 2017
Putters plated in gold, putters made of acrylic, putter-face inserts.

— tom chiarella, Popular Mechanics, "The Keepers of the Game," 14 June 2017

First Known Use of insert

circa 1889

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

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Examples of insert in a Sentence

Recent Examples of insert from the Web

Origin and Etymology of insert

insert Synonyms

Synonyms

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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

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