Import Definition, Examples & Common Usage

Meaning 1：bring in goods from abroad (import)

import 🔊

/ɪmˈpɔːrt/ (verb), /ˈɪmpɔːrt/ (noun)

v., n.

To bring products into your own country from another country or place to sell.

Cargo ship unloading import containers at busy seaport

bring in goods from abroad 🔊

➕

/brɪŋ ɪn ɡʊdz frəm əˈbrɔːd/

v., n.

The act of bringing products or services from a foreign country into one's own country for the purpose of selling or using them.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Prefix 'im-' (variant of 'in-', meaning 'into') + root 'port' (to carry) + verb suffix. Literally 'to carry into'.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a ship at port carrying goods 'in' — import means to bring in.

📖 Example

Our company decided to import high-quality coffee beans from Colombia to meet the growing demand. 🔊 Our company decided to import high-quality coffee beans from Colombia to meet the growing demand.

🔗 Collocations

import from – to bring goods from a specific foreign country

import into – to bring goods into a particular country

import duties – taxes paid on goods brought into a country

🔄 Synonyms

bring in (phrasal verb) – to import or introduce something from another place

introduce (verb) – to bring something into use or a place for the first time

ship in (phrasal verb) – to transport goods into a country, especially by sea

🚫 Antonyms

export (verb) – to send goods to another country for sale

send abroad (phrasal verb) – to dispatch goods overseas

outsource (verb) – to obtain goods or services from an external supplier, often abroad

🌱 Derivatives

importation (noun) – the act of bringing goods into a country

importer (noun) – a person or company that imports goods

importable (adjective) – capable of being imported

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'importare' ('in' + 'portare' 'to carry'), first used in medieval trade for 'bring goods from abroad.' Expanded during the Age of Exploration.