import

[ verb im-pawrt, -pohrt; noun 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

Derived Forms

• imˌportaˈbility, noun
• imˈportable, adjective
• imˈporter, noun

Other Words From

• im·porta·ble adjective
• im·porta·bili·ty noun
• im·porter noun
• non·import noun
• over·im·port verb (used with object)
• preim·port verb (used with object)
• pre·import noun
• unim·ported adjective
• unim·porting 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

Ives said he expects Trump to make exceptions for Tesla and Apple so they’re not hit by a tax on imported goods.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s plan includes imposing tariffs on imported goods, especially those coming in from China, arguing that these taxes would keep manufacturing jobs in the US.

From BBC

Trump's power advantage could be key in pushing through his big promises such as the largest deportation of migrants in history, sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, and the rolling back of environmental protections.

From BBC

For all that, the full import of McMahon’s decision is anything but clear.

From Los Angeles Times

The Conservative MP claimed the approach would "see our reliance on Chinese imports - a country which is 60% powered by coal - go through the roof".

From BBC

Related Words

• value
• worth