insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: something that is inserted: such as

a

: the part of a muscle that inserts

b

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

c

: embroidery or needlework inserted as ornament between two pieces of fabric

d

: a section of genetic material that is inserted into an existing gene sequence

2

a

: the act or process of inserting

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

in-ˈsər-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of insertion in a Sentence

Treatment may include the insertion of a tube in his ear.

The report contains a number of insertions.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of those blew up on its landing attempt while another was purposefully expended to get its payload to a higher orbital insertion. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025

Rather, this obstruction of trade was a last-minute insertion into the Dodd-Frank financial regulation overhaul signed by President Barack Obama 15 years ago in July 2010. —John Berlau, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Some doctors also recommend acupuncture: the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice involving the insertion of extremely thin needles into the skin on specific parts of the body. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 16 July 2025

Dembele's insertion into PSG's front three would likely bump Desire Doue to the right and Bradley Barcola to the bench as a sub. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• exertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the act or process of inserting

2

a

: something inserted

b

: the part of a muscle that is attached to a part to be moved

3

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

Medical Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved compare origin sense 2

2

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

3

a

: a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective