Definition of import
transitive verb
1a : to bear or convey as meaning or portent : signifyb archaic : express, statec : imply
2 : to bring from a foreign or external source: such asa : to bring (as merchandise) into a place or country from another countryb : to transfer (files or data) from one format to another usually within a new file
3 archaic : to be of importance to : concern
intransitive verb
: to be of consequence : matter
importer
nounExamples of import in a sentence
a dealer who imports cars from Italy to the U.S.
software that makes it simple to import digital photographs onto your hard drive
Origin and Etymology of import
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: 15th century
Definition of import
1 : importance; especially : relative importance <it is hard to judge the import of this decision>
2 : purport, signification
3 : something that is imported
4 : importation
Examples of import in a sentence
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
1548
First Known Use of import
1548
Other Business Terms
IMPORT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of import for English Language Learners
-
: to bring a product into a country to be sold
-
computers : to bring (something, such as data) into a file, system, etc., from another source
Definition of import for English Language Learners
-
: something that is imported : a product brought into a country to be sold there
-
: the act of importing something
-
: the meaning of something
IMPORT Defined for Kids
Definition of import for Students
imported
importing
: to bring (as goods) into a country usually for selling
Definition of import for Students
1 : importance <This is a problem of great import.>
2 : something brought into a country <My car is an import from Italy.>
Learn More about import
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for import Spanish Central: Translation of import Nglish: Translation of import for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of import for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about import
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up import? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!