insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: something that is inserted: such as

a

: the part of a muscle that inserts

b

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

c

: embroidery or needlework inserted as ornament between two pieces of fabric

d

: a section of genetic material that is inserted into an existing gene sequence

2

a

: the act or process of inserting

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

in-ˈsər-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of insertion in a Sentence

Treatment may include the insertion of a tube in his ear.

The report contains a number of insertions.

Recent Examples on the Web

There is an incision that is made and an insertion of a tube into the right clavicle. —J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025

The rapid insertion of DOGE employees into the system is raising alarm bells for privacy and security advocates. —Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 26 Mar. 2025

How fast, for example, could a new search or insertion possibly be? —Steve Nadis, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2025

This happens when a blood vessel is damaged due to a needle insertion. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insertion

• assertion
• cistercian
• coercion
• desertion
• exertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

Kids Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the act or process of inserting

2

a

: something inserted

b

: the part of a muscle that is attached to a part to be moved

3

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

Medical Definition

insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən 

1

: the part of a muscle by which it is attached to the part to be moved compare origin sense 2

2

: the mode or place of attachment of an organ or part

3

a

: a section of genetic material inserted into an existing gene sequence

b

: the mutational process producing a genetic insertion

insertional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective