import

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an imported person brought from a foreign country

   the lead role was played by an import from Sweden

2. 2
   verb

   transfer electronic data into a database or document

   In order to update the website, we had to import all of the old data into the new system.

3. 3
   noun

   Something brought in from an exterior source, especially for sale or trade.

   Trump’s July 8 announcement of a 50% tariff on copper imports beginning August 1 sent prices surging 13% in one day, up to a record high of $5.69 per pound.

4. 4
   noun

   Clipping of importance.

   It was a matter of great import.

5. 5
   verb

   To bring (something) in from a foreign country, especially for sale or trade.

   Nauru imports foods from Australia because phosphate mining destroyed land for farming.

6. 6
   verb

   To load a file into a software application from another version or system.

   How can I import files from older versions of this application?

7. 7
   verb

   To be important; to be significant; to be of consequence.

   See how much it importeth to learn to take Time by the Fore-Top.

8. 8
   verb

   To be of importance to (someone or something).

   This Letter is mistooke: it importeth none here: It is writ to laquenetta.

Etymology

From Middle English importen, from Old French emporter, importer, from Latin importō (“bring in from abroad, import”, verb), from in (“in, at, on; into”) + portō (“to carry, bear; convey”).