import

[im-pawrt, -pohrt, im-pawrt, -pohrt]

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.

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

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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of import¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of import¹

C15: from Latin importāre to carry in, from _im- + portāre to carry

Example Sentences

The UK will cut taxes on Indian clothing, footwear, jewellery and frozen seafood, among other goods, while India will reduce duties on the import of Scotch whisky, cosmetics, medical devices and luxury cars.

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The EU has announced plans to hike tariffs on imported steel in a move the UK's steel industry has said could be "perhaps the biggest crisis" it has ever faced.

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But the plans have frustrated many other kinds of businesses that have also been hurt, as the new taxes on imports raise costs for firms based in the US and alienate long-time customers overseas.

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“I knew I was going to have to pay some import fee, but I had no idea what it was going to be,” Herr said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said: "We have explored every possible alternative but in the face of sustained pressure from energy costs, combined with unfairly low-cost imports into the UK and Europe, we've been left with no other choice."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• value 
• worth