import

1 of 2

verb

im·​port im-ˈpȯrt  ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

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 

ˈim-ˌpȯr-

adjective

importer noun

import

2 of 2

noun

im·​port ˈim-ˌpȯrt 

1

: something that is imported

2

: importation

3

: importance

especially : relative importance

it is hard to judge the import of this decision

4

: purport, signification

Synonyms

Verb

• count
• matter
• mean
• signify
• weigh

Noun

• account
• consequence
• importance
• magnitude
• moment
• momentousness
• significance
• weight
• weightiness

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

Verb

After the European Union banned Russian diesel in 2022, in punishment for Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine, MBS boosted oil exports to Europe, to make up for some of the shortfall—while at the same time importing Russian fuel to Saudi Arabia, to compensate Putin for his losses under sanctions. —Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

Wallpaper imported from Europe or handcrafted by artisans, for example, will generally cost more than wallpaper mass-produced in the the U.S. —Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 4 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

import

1 of 2 verb

im·​port im-ˈpō(ə)rt  -ˈpȯ(ə)rt 

ˈim-ˌpō(ə)rt,

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: mean entry 2 sense 2

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 

-ˌpȯ(ə)rt

1

: meaning entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance

3

: something brought into a country