import

1 of 2

verb

imported; importing; imports

transitive verb

1
: to bring from a foreign or external source: such as
a
: to bring (something, such as merchandise) into a place or country from another country
b
: to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file
2
a
: to bear or convey as meaning or portent : signify
b
: imply
c
archaic : express, state
3
archaic : to be of importance to : concern

intransitive verb

: to be of consequence : matter
importable
im-ˈpȯr-tə-bəl How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpȯr-
adjective
importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
1
: something that is imported
2
3
: importance
especially : relative importance
it is hard to judge the import of this decision
4

Examples of import in a Sentence

Verb a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S. software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive Noun This car is an import from Italy. They sell luxury imports from around the world. laws affecting the import of foreign goods This is an issue of little import to voters. a matter of great import
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Notably, the company confirmed that about one-third of its U.S. sales are imported from other countries, with less than half coming from China, Mexico and Canada. Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 Health analysts and generic drug manufacturers said the 20% levy from two rounds of tariffs on goods imported from China − a major supplier of medical equipment and prescription drugs for the United States − could shrink inventories and raise prices. Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
Maeda himself was inspired to come to America by two more of the most successful Japanese imports. Jamie Barton, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025 Both nations also account for 70% of the imports of two key home construction materials: lumber and gypsum. Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for import

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Medieval Latin importare to bring in, cause, signify, from Latin, to bring in, cause, from in- + portare to carry — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Noun

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of import was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/import. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb
im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio) -ˈpȯ(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt,
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
2
: to be important : matter
3
: to bring (as goods) into a country from another country usually for selling
imports coffee
imported cars
importer noun

import

2 of 2 noun
im·​port ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt How to pronounce import (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
2
3
: something brought into a country

More from Merriam-Webster on import

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