import

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

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

importer

3 of 3

noun (2)

im·​por·​ter
pronunciation at 1import +ə(r)
: one that imports
especially : one whose business is the importation and sale of goods from a foreign country

Synonyms of import

Relevance

Verb

Noun (1)

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 (1) 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
Japan imports nearly all of its oil and gas, and the yen’s recent decline to near a 40-year low has added to those concerns given recent high oil prices. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Russia is facing growing fuel shortages, with the country forced to import gasoline from India and discontent appearing to be on the rise. — semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
The justices struck down his worldwide tariffs, ruling these import taxes are a matter for Congress, not the president. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Brussels and Beijing aren’t simply competing for Africa’s imports and exports. — Daniele Nyirandutiye, semafor.com, 6 July 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 (1)

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun (2)

1618, in the meaning defined above

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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of import for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about import

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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