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

• importability noun
• importable adjective
• 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 United States on Monday exempted British pharmaceuticals from import tariffs under a unique deal which sees the UK increase spending on American drugs by 25 percent.

Read more on Barron's

“Suppliers are finding more and more errors when attempting to export to the U.S. — before I even have the opportunity to import.”

Read more on MarketWatch

The deal comes after several pharmaceutical giants decided to either reduce spending in the UK or increase their US investments following threats of tariffs as high as 100% on branded drug imports.

Read more on BBC

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release delayed September export and import price data on Wednesday.

Read more on Barron's

Beijing wields travel advisories and import bans rather than formal sanctions.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• value 
• worth