insertion

noun

in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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
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.
The immediate question is just how neat an insertion the new BQE can get away with. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 24 Aug. 2026 When to Use Brainlume Brainlume can be useful in everyday moments when users want to wind down, reset, or recharge without overnight wear, nasal insertion, or complicated setup. — William Jones, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 But things have changed, including the insertion of Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator implementing a new scheme. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Its modular architecture is intended to make future technology insertions less disruptive, reducing the need for major overhauls each time a new capability is required. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insertion

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insertion was in 1539

Rhymes for insertion

See All Rhymes for insertion

Browse Nearby Words

inserter
insertion
insertive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

insertion

noun
in·​ser·​tion in-ˈsər-shən How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 How to pronounce insertion (audio)
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 How to pronounce insertion (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on insertion

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insertion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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