How to pronounce import
Say it like IM-port. Import has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce import. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IM
- port
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Import pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- IMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- portGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of import
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: IM-pawt.
Other ways to say import
Import also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- im-PORT /ˌɪmˈpɔrt/
What does import mean?
- commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
- an imported person brought from a foreign country“the lead role was played by an import from Sweden”“they are descendants of indentured importees”
- the message that is intended or expressed or signified“what is the meaning of this sentence”“the significance of a red traffic light”
- bring in from abroad
- transfer (electronic data) into a database or document
- indicate or signify“I'm afraid this spells trouble!”
Where does import come from?
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”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying import
How do you pronounce import?
Say IM-port. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪmˌpɔrt/. In British English it is /ˈɪmˌpɔːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in import?
Import has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IM). Broken into parts: IM · port.
Is import pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɪmˌpɔːt/ (IM-pawt).