import

American  

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

verb (used with object)

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)

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

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

Etymology

Origin of import

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

Example Sentences

Bolivia is experiencing a severe shortage of the foreign currency needed to import fuel and other essentials.

From Barron's

A weaker won usually adds to inflationary pressures as it leads to higher import prices for oil, raw materials and other goods.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company stepped up imports before tariffs kicked in April, and after that was also able to get its suppliers to share some of the burden.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tough conditions in the premium-car market in China, paired with the impact from U.S. import tariffs and subdued demand, will weigh on the German group’s profitability and free operating cash flow, the rating agency says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economists expected them to show up as rising prices for imports.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• value
• worth