rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryimportationBringing in from outside
noun

importation

im-por-TAY-shun/ˌɪmpɔːrˈteɪʃn/

The act of bringing something into a place from another country or outside source.

The crane unloads containers onto the receiving dock during importation of the goods.

A port crane unloads shipping containers onto the receiving dock.
Etymology
imLatininto, in
+portLatinto carry
+ationEnglishact or process

The pieces express the act of “carrying in.” In the commercial sense, the boundary crossed is a country's border: goods are brought in from abroad.

In context

PublicResourceOrg7:53
and it is the long-standing American love affair with the automobile, and you alluded to this just a few minutes ago, Mr. Green. Uh how will this now affect the importation of foreign cars in this country?
THE ENERGY CRISIS - PRESIDENT CARTER'S PLAN

More examples

  • The importation of live plants requires a special permit.
  • The country relies on the importation of essential medicines.
  • The importation of ideas from other cultures enriches local art.

Forms

importation · importations

import verb — To bring something in from another country.

importer noun — A person or business bringing in foreign goods.

Similar words

import
Can name the goods brought in, not just the process.
introduction
Emphasizes bringing something into a setting, not its foreign origin.