import

 

verb

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɔːt, ˈɪm-/
[with object]
  • 1bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale: supermarkets may no longer import cheap jeans from Bulgaria (as adjective imported) imported cigarettes
  • 2introduce (an idea) from a different place or context: new beliefs were often imported by sailors
  • Computing transfer (data) into a file or document.
  • 3 archaic indicate or signify: having thus seen, what is imported in a Man’s trusting his Heart
  • express or make known: [with clause]: they passed a resolution importing that they relied on His Majesty’s gracious promise

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɪmpɔːt/
  • 1 (usually imports) a commodity, article, or service brought in from abroad for sale: cheap imports from eastern Europe
  • (imports) sales of imported goods or services, or the revenue from such sales: this surplus pushes up the yen, which ought to boost imports
  • [mass noun] the action or process of importing goods or services: the import of live cattle from Canada
  • 2 [in singular] the implicit meaning or significance of something: the import of her message is clear
  • [mass noun] great significance; importance: pronouncements of world-shaking import

Derivatives

importable

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɔːtəb(ə)l/
adjective

importation

Pronunciation: /ɪmpɔːˈteɪʃ(ə)n/
noun

importer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'signify'): from Latin importare 'bring in' (in medieval Latin 'imply, mean, be of consequence'), from in- 'in' + portare 'carry'