insert

1 of 2

verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

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

insert

2 of 2

noun

in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt 

: something that is inserted

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

Synonyms

Verb

• introduce
• inject
• add
• interject
• interpolate

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of insert in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Noun

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 on the Web

Verb

Bake in preheated oven until tomatoes burst and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, about 45 minutes. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 June 2025

This might happen, for instance, if there is any bacteria on syringe needles inserted into a vial. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 June 2025

Noun

Nothing about the film’s look — from unnerving, avant-garde inserts of medieval soldiers to infrared flashes of the oft-misunderstood infected — could be described as conventional. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025

The insert, titled Il Foglio AI, was almost immediately covered by newspapers around the world. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

Kids Definition

insert

1 of 2 verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

1

: to put or place in

inserted the key in the lock

insert a word in a sentence

2

: to set in and make fast

insert the tab into the slot

inserter noun

insert

2 of 2 noun

in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt 

: something that is or is meant to be inserted

especially : printed sheets inserted (as in a newspaper)

Medical Definition

insert

intransitive verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

of a muscle

: to be in attachment to the part to be moved