insert

American  

[in-surt, in-surt] / ɪnˈsɜrt, ˈɪn sɜrt /

verb (used with object)

1. to put or place in.

   to insert a key in a lock.

2. to introduce or cause to be introduced into the body of something.

   to insert an extra paragraph in an article.

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noun

1. something inserted or to be inserted.

2. an extra leaf or section, printed independently, for binding or tipping into a book or periodical, especially a leaf or section consisting of an illustration or advertisement printed on different paper.

3. any small picture, device, etc., surrounded partly or completely by body type.

4. a paper, circular, etc., placed within the folds of a newspaper or the leaves of a book, periodical, etc.

5. Movies, Radio and Television. cut-in

insert British  

verb

1. to put in or between; introduce

2. to introduce, as into text, such as a newspaper; interpolate

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noun

1. something inserted

2. 1. a folded section placed in another for binding in with a book

   2. a printed sheet, esp one bearing advertising, placed loose between the leaves of a book, periodical, etc

3. another word for cut in

Other Word Forms

• insertable adjective
• inserter noun
• interinsert verb (used with object)
• preinsert verb (used with object)
• reinsert verb (used with object)
• subinsert verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of insert

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin insertus, past participle of inserere “to put in, insert,” equivalent to in- “in” + ser- (stem of serere “to link together”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Example Sentences

His words were the latest salvo in a growing effort to insert himself into a world of spiraling conflicts.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Jury Duty” which sneaked up on the world in 2023, inserted an unwitting ordinary person into a prearranged courtroom scenario otherwise populated by actors.

From Los Angeles Times

Father stooped down to pick up a small bruised petal from the brick pavement; tenderly he inserted it in his buttonhole.

From Literature

Our job was not in itself complicated: Answer the line, match the code name to a number, insert the right plug into the right jack, connect the telephone call.

From Literature

“The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• embed
• enter
• fill in
• imbed
• implant
• include
• inject
• introduce
• stick