insert

[in-surt, in-surt]

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.

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

verb

1. to put in or between; introduce

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

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of insert¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of insert¹

C16: from Latin inserere to plant in, ingraft, from _in- ² + serere to join

Example Sentences

He inserted himself into the talks, arranging meetings in a bugged office building that allowed federal agents to record every word.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was used to help decipher the genetic code, and in the 1970s it became the first organism to be genetically engineered when foreign DNA was inserted into it – laying the foundation for modern biotechnology.

Read more on BBC

Hygiene is also really important so make sure you wash your hands before you insert the cup and clean the cup between uses, she adds.

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But the party's MPs are eager to take the fight to Reform and insert themselves into the national debate, as St George's Cross and Union flag are displayed in towns and cities across the UK.

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All phone users will be used to the small plastic cards they need to delicately insert into their devices to make them operate.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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