import (v.) Look up import at
early 15c., "signify, show, bear or convey in meaning," from Latin importare "bring in, convey, bring in from abroad," from assimilated form of in- "into, in" (see in- (2)) + portare "to carry" (see port (n.1)). In English, the sense of "bring from another state or land," especially "bring in goods from abroad" first recorded 1540s. As "be important" from 1580s. Related: Imported; importing.
import (n.) Look up import at
1580s, "consequence, importance;" 1680s, "that which is imported;" both from import (v.).