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

"North Sea projects like Jackdaw deliver energy to UK homes and industry with significantly less emissions than importing more gas from overseas."

From BBC

The policy had allowed companies to ship online orders worth $800 or less into the US without having to pay import duties.

From BBC

Brazil, which is the world's biggest producer of coffee, has been slapped with a 50% US import tax.

From BBC

Citing other laws from that era, he said Congress understood that tariffs and duties are a “common tool of import regulation.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a petition filed late on Wednesday, the administration asked the justices to quickly intervene to rule that the president has the power to impose such import taxes on foreign nations.

From BBC

Related Words

• value 
• worth