import
Import (noun) means a product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale. Example: “Cheap imports from overseas undercut local manufacturers.”
How to use import
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bring something in from outside — whether goods from another country or data into a computer file.
Word forms
imported past tense, imported past tense, imports plural, imports plural, imports singular, imports singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cheap _____ from overseas undercut local manufacturers.
Etymology
From Latin importo ("bring in from abroad"), from in- ("into") + porto ("to carry").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “import” mean?
The word “import” means a product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale. In plain terms, to bring something in from outside — whether goods from another country or data into a computer file.
How do you pronounce “import”?
“Import” is pronounced IHM-pawt (/ˈɪm.pɔɹt/ in IPA).
How do you use “import” in a sentence?
Here is “import” used in a sentence: “Cheap imports from overseas undercut local manufacturers.”
What is another word for “import”?
Words with a similar meaning to “import” include importancy, importance, meaning, purport, significance and tenor.
What is the opposite of “import”?
The opposite of “import” — its antonyms — are export and insignificance.
What part of speech is “import”?
Depending on how it is used, “import” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “import” come from?
The word “import” comes from Latin. From Latin importo ("bring in from abroad"), from in- ("into") + porto ("to carry").
Is “import” a common word?
“Import” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between an import and an export?
An import is a product or good brought into a country from abroad for sale, while an export is a good sent out of a country to be sold elsewhere. The two terms describe opposite directions of the same trade flow.
How does the pronunciation of import change between the noun and the verb?
As a noun meaning goods brought in, import is usually stressed on the first syllable (IM-port). As a verb meaning to bring goods in, the stress typically shifts to the second syllable (im-PORT).
When should you use import instead of buy?
Use import when the emphasis is on goods crossing a national border into a country from abroad, especially for sale or trade. Buy is a general term for any purchase and carries no sense of international movement.
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