insert

1 of 2

verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
inserted; inserting; inserts

transitive verb

1
: to put or thrust in
insert the key in the lock
2
: to put or introduce into the body of something : interpolate
insert a change in a manuscript
3
: to set in and make fast
especially : to insert by sewing between two cut edges
4
: to place into action (as in a game)
insert a new pitcher

intransitive verb

of a muscle : to be in attachment to the part to be moved
inserter noun

insert

2 of 2

noun

in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
: something that is inserted
especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)
Choose the Right Synonym for insert

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

Examples of insert in a Sentence

Verb Insert your credit card here. You need to insert a comma between these two words. insert a space between paragraphs They tried to insert themselves into the conversation. Noun The pot comes with an insert for steaming. advertising inserts in the Sunday paper Each box includes an insert explaining the product's proper use.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Bake cake layers: Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in centers of cakes comes out clean, 22 to 26 minutes. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2024 So at the start of third grade, making new friends or inserting herself into new groups was bumpy. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 Bake in preheated oven until a thermometer inserted into a few test meatballs registers 165°, 10 to 12 minutes. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Police allegedly found a holstered .22 caliber Walter PPQ firearm in the trunk of the car with the magazine inserted and several live rounds inside. Andrea Klick, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024 The group also issued a list of 21 different provisions its members would like to see inserted into the bill to win their support. The Editors, National Review, 28 Feb. 2024 CGMs rely on a sensor that is inserted into an arm or stomach with a small needle. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 23 Feb. 2024 With Herbert, and with palace majordomo Agnes (Riseborough), The Regime is attempting to insert some level of drama into all the scenes about how the rest of the country has to dance to Elena’s ridiculous tunes. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Authorities in Idaho halted the execution of serial killer Thomas Eugene Creech on Wednesday after medical workers were unable to insert an IV for lethal injection. Niha Masih, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024
Noun
The contemporary design ethos is further evident in the bronze unidirectional rotating bezel, which is complemented by a black anodized aluminum insert, striking a balance between modern flair and traditional diver aesthetics. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The star of the show is the removable zippered insert which transforms this coat throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024 For more information and details, see the insert in your Sept. 25 or Oct. 2 Idaho Statesman or visit bcaswi.org. Dusty Parnell, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024 Advertised as a pillow with a washable cover, the travel accessory comes with a removable insert that can be replaced with a couple of days’ worth of clothes. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 The matching insert bags are just the cherry on top. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 The item is given new life: as an insert into dresses, or swept around the body in panels on skirting or trousers. Gemma A. Williams, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Go Digital Between save-the-dates, full suites with multiple inserts, and the fuel costs of shipping mail to hundreds of guests around the world, invitations can also increase your wedding’s carbon footprint. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2024 The headset will have 256 GB of storage, and prescription lens inserts for the device will be available starting at $149. Samantha Murphy Kelly, CNN, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin insertus, past participle of inserere, from in- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

Verb

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insert was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near insert

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insert. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insert

1 of 2 verb
in·​sert in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
1
: to put or place in
inserted the key in the lock
insert a word in a sentence
2
: to set in and make fast
insert the tab into the slot
inserter noun

insert

2 of 2 noun
in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
: something that is or is meant to be inserted
especially : printed sheets inserted (as in a newspaper)

Medical Definition

insert

intransitive verb
in·​sert in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
of a muscle
: to be in attachment to the part to be moved

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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