insert

1 of 2

verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
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 How to pronounce insert (audio)
: something that is inserted
especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)
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
Vance, meanwhile, inserted mid-sentence pleas to not be fact checked while expressing support for former President Trump. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2024 The fintech firms provide the marketing through to the technical platforms so that customers may not even realize that the fintech firms are really inserting themselves between customers and the actual partner banks. Gene A. Grant Ii, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Noun
However, unlike the average tabletop dual-burner, this one comes packaged with single-burner grill and griddle inserts to increase cooking versatility. New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2024 The insert, however, can be cleaned depending on its material. Alida Nugent, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insert 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of insert was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near insert

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insert. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

insert

1 of 2 verb
in·​sert in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
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 How to pronounce insert (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce insert (audio)
of a muscle
: to be in attachment to the part to be moved

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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