import

1 of 2

verb

im·​port im-ˈpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio) ˈim-ˌpȯrt How to pronounce import (audio)
imported; importing; imports
Synonyms of import

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
The words imported that some changes had to be made.
b
: imply
Her reminder imported that I would forget.
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
: importation
3
: importance
especially : relative importance
it is hard to judge the import of this decision
4
: purport, signification

Synonyms of import

Relevance

Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged that the blockade has restricted the country’s ability to import essential goods, including fuel. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 Part of the reason for that is shippers explicitly charged customers tariff fees — if the federal government charged FedEx $100 to import your package, FedEx then billed you $100. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
Russia is India’s largest crude supplier, accounting for more than 50% of the country’s oil imports in June and July and nearly 43% till August 24. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Parshin oversaw Russia’s national import-substitution program, crucial for the war effort, and was on good terms with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for import

See All Rhymes for import

Browse Nearby Words

imporous
import
importable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Import.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/import. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
: 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 How to pronounce import (audio)
-ˌpȯ(ə)rt
1
: meaning entry 1 sense 1
2
: importance
3
: something brought into a country

More from Merriam-Webster on import

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about import

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