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tr.v. im·port·ed, im·port·ing, im·ports 1. To bring or carry in from an outside source, especially to bring in (goods or materials) from a foreign country for trade or sale. 2. Computers To receive (data) into one program from another. 3. a. To carry or hold the meaning of; signify: had trouble understanding what the strange word imported. b. To express or make known: the news imported by their letter. c. To betoken or indicate: a high inflation rate importing hard times for the consumer. n. (ĭmpôrt′) 1. Something imported: levied a tax on imports from overseas. 2. The act or occupation of importing goods or materials. 3. Meaning; signification: The import of his statement is ambiguous. [Middle English importen, to convey a meaning, from Medieval Latin importāre and from Old French importer, to cause, both from Latin importāre, to carry in, cause : in-, in; see IN-2 + portāre, to carry; see per-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] im·port′a·bili·ty n. im·porta·ble adj. im·porter n. |
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