import

1 of 2

verb

im·​port im-ˈpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio) ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
imported; importing; imports
Synonyms of importnext

transitive verb

1
: to bring from a foreign or external source: such as
a
: to bring (something, such as merchandise) into a place or country from another country
b
: to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file
2
a
: to bear or convey as meaning or portent : signify
b
: imply
c
archaic : express, state
3
archaic : to be of importance to : concern

intransitive verb

: to be of consequence : matter
importable
im-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpȯr-
adjective
importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
1
: something that is imported
2
: importation
3
: importance
especially : relative importance
it is hard to judge the import of this decision
4
: purport, signification

Synonyms

Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of import in a Sentence

Verb a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S. software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive Noun
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
By contrast, football was a game imported from England which bred competitive instincts many saw as vulgar. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 June 2025 For the 20% of suppliers who import parts, House said Ford is having conversations with them, seeking ways to help mitigate Ford's exposure to tariffs and lower those costs, while also meeting the business obligations of its suppliers. — Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Noun
After the temporary tariff relief on Chinese imports into the U.S. resulted in a 50-percent one-week surge in bookings for Hapag-Lloyd on the trade route between countries, container flow accelerated even further in the weeks after. — Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 June 2025 Under the agreement, the US temporarily lowered its overall tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China cut its levies on American imports from 125% to 10%. — Auzinea Bacon, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for import

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of import was in the 15th century

Rhymes for import

See All Rhymes for import

Browse Nearby Words

imporous
import
importance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/import. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb
im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio) -ˈpȯ(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt,
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: mean entry 2 sense 2
2
: to be important : matter
3
: to bring (as goods) into a country from another country usually for selling
imports coffee
imported cars
importer noun

import

2 of 2 noun
im·​port ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: meaning entry 1 sense 1
2
: importance
3
: something brought into a country

More from Merriam-Webster on import

Nglish: Translation of import for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about import

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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