import

American  

[im-pawrt, -pohrt, im-pawrt, -pohrt] / ɪmˈpɔrt, -ˈpoʊrt, ˈɪm pɔrt, -poʊrt /

verb (used with object)

imports, present (3rd person singular) imported, past participle, past importing present participle

1. to bring in (merchandise, commodities, workers, etc.) from a foreign country for use, sale, processing, reexport, or services.

2. to bring or introduce from one use, connection, or relation into another.

   foreign bodies imported into the blood; foodstuffs imported from the farm.

3. to convey as meaning or implication; signify.

   Her words imported a change of attitude.

4. to involve as a necessary circumstance; imply.

   Religion imports belief.

5. Computers. to bring (documents, data, etc.) into one software program from another.

6. Archaic. to be of consequence or importance to; concern.

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verb (used without object)

imports, present (3rd person singular) imported, past participle, past importing present participle

1. to be of consequence or importance; to matter.

   We are friends, and it does not import that we have only just met.

noun

1. something that is imported from abroad; an imported commodity or article.

2. the act of importing or bringing in; importation, as of goods from abroad.

   the import of foreign cars.

3. consequence or importance.

   matters of great import.

   Synonyms:

   sense, significance

4. meaning; implication; purport.

   He felt the import of her words.

import British  

verb

1. to buy or bring in (goods or services) from a foreign country Compare export

2. (tr) to bring in from an outside source

   to import foreign words into the language

3. rare to signify or be significant; mean; convey

   to import doom

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noun

1. (often plural)

   1. goods ( visible imports ) or services ( invisible imports ) that are bought from foreign countries

   2. ( as modifier )

      an import licence

2. significance or importance

   a man of great import

3. meaning or signification

4. informal a sportsman or -woman who is not native to the country in which he or she plays

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unimported
  adjective
• preimport
  verb (used with object)
• unimporting
  adjective
• overimport
  verb (used with object)
• nonimport
  noun
• preimport
  noun
• importability
  noun
• importer
  noun
• importable
  adjective

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have imported
  perfect
• has imported
  perfect 3rd person singular
• is importing
  progressive 3rd person singular
• have been importing
  perfect progressive
• are importing
  progressive
• am importing
  progressive 1st person singular
• has been importing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• importing
  participle
• imports
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had imported
  perfect
• had been importing
  perfect progressive
• were importing
  progressive plural
• was importing
  progressive singular
• imported
  participle
• imported
  simple

Future

• will import
  simple
• will have imported
  perfect
• will be importing
  progressive
• will have been importing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of import

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English importen, from Latin importāre; equivalent to im- ¹ + port ⁵

Explanation

Imports are the products shipped into our country from other places. We import Japanese autos and export our pop music to Tokyo. Import also means to signify something. Is it of import to our economic security to have so many Japanese imports on our roads? The origins of the word import are literally "to bring into port." The ratio of imports to exports is a big indicator of the health of a nation's economy. The word import can also refer to attitudes or behaviors that come as part of the culture of a place. "New York media is dominated by British journalists who have imported the snarky style of gossip reporting famous in London."

Example Sentences

The potential economic impact of New World screwworm on the cattle industry due to import restrictions, reduced productivity and animal loss is substantial, said Sally DeNotta, director of the University of Florida’s Equine Performance Laboratory.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Skim milk powder rose on solid import demand from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, while whole milk powder was mixed, with modest price increases in Oceania offset by lower quotations in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

In contrast, pig meat prices fell amid abundant supplies and weaker import demand, particularly in the EU.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The U.S. detected New World screwworm in a Texas calf, the first in six decades, exacerbating pressure from an existing Mexican import ban.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

"A matter like this,. . . best done promptly, indeed, indeed ... of great import, you say?"

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• value
• worth