Meaning & Definition of word "Import"

Import

/ɪmˈpɔːrt/

noun:

  • 1. The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.
    • Example: The company specializes in the import of luxury cars from Europe.
  • 2. The value of the goods and services brought into a country.
    • Example: The import of electronics increased significantly last year.
  • 3. Significance; importance.
    • Example: The import of this decision cannot be underestimated.

verb:

  • 1. To bring (goods or services) into a country from abroad for sale.
    • Example: They plan to import textiles from India.
  • 2. To bring (data or files) into a computer system or database.
    • Example: You can import the data from the CSV file into the software.
  • 3. To signify or suggest something.
    • Example: His smile seemed to import a sense of confidence.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin importare 'bring in', from in- 'into' + portare 'to carry'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

import/export:

Refers to the trade of goods and services between countries where items are sent out of one country and brought into another.

import duty:

A tax imposed on imported goods.

import quota:

A limit on the quantity of certain goods that can be imported into a country.

import license:

A permission required to import certain goods into a country.

Related Words

export:

To send goods or services to another country for sale.

trade:

The action of buying, selling, or exchanging goods and services.

customs:

The authorities that regulate the movement of goods in and out of a country.

tariff:

A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.

Slang Meanings of import

Meaning: To import goods means to sneak them into the country without paying duties.

Example Sentence: He tried to import some tech gadgets without declaring them at customs.

Meaning: To copy or adopt styles or behavior from another culture.

Example Sentence: She's always trying to import fashion trends from Paris.