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Synonyms

insert

American  
[in-surt, in-surt] / ɪnˈsɜrt, ˈɪn sɜrt /

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 British  

verb

  1. to put in or between; introduce

  2. to introduce, as into text, such as a newspaper; interpolate

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something inserted

    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

  2. another word for cut in

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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)

Etymology

Origin of insert

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A cartridge containing small tubes preloaded with different antibiotics is placed directly into the urine sample and inserted into an instrument.

From Science Daily

Doctors inserted a rod into his leg and placed screws into his foot and ankle.

From Los Angeles Times

To study this system, researchers recorded brain activity in mice by inserting electrodes and stimulating neurons with light.

From Science Daily

Bags are being stowed, seats taken, earpieces inserted, travel pillows positioned.

From Literature

In one test, I intended to type “because we” and the keyboard failed to insert the “w.”

From The Wall Street Journal