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

Even as the labor market has softened, healthcare jobs have stayed plentiful: People spend on healthcare in good times and bad, and thus far, the ability to change bedpans and insert IVs hasn’t been automated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An epidural is an invasive procedure in which an anesthetic is delivered into the body via a catheter inserted into the lower back.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the 1990s, early gene therapy efforts relied on inserting new genes into cells using modified viruses.

Read more on Science Daily

The company’s new social media app allows users to create video clips from text prompts and insert themselves into AI-generated worlds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

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