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
The stateside monastery has a Gallic feel—the cloister was imported from France, for instance—but offers panoramic vistas of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 June 2025 Powell noted that many goods being sold at retailers today may have been imported months ago, before tariffs were imposed. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Noun
Turkey relies heavily on energy imports, including from Iran, and rising oil prices due to the conflict could aggravate inflation and further strain its troubled economy. — Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025 Many have complained that American alternatives for some foreign imports may be unavailable or are too expensive. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 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

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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 29 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

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