insert

[in-surt, in-surt]

verb (used with object)

1. to put or place in.

   to insert a key in a lock.

2. to introduce or cause to be introduced into the body of something.

   to insert an extra paragraph in an article.

noun

1. something inserted or to be inserted.

2. an extra leaf or section, printed independently, for binding or tipping into a book or periodical, especially a leaf or section consisting of an illustration or advertisement printed on different paper.

3. any small picture, device, etc., surrounded partly or completely by body type.

4. a paper, circular, etc., placed within the folds of a newspaper or the leaves of a book, periodical, etc.

5. Movies, Radio and Television.,  cut-in

insert

verb

1. to put in or between; introduce

2. to introduce, as into text, such as a newspaper; interpolate

noun

1. something inserted

2. 1. a folded section placed in another for binding in with a book

   2. a printed sheet, esp one bearing advertising, placed loose between the leaves of a book, periodical, etc

3. another word for cut in

Other Word Forms

• insertable adjective
• inserter noun
• interinsert verb (used with object)
• preinsert verb (used with object)
• reinsert verb (used with object)
• subinsert verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of insert¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin insertus, past participle of inserere “to put in, insert,” equivalent to in- “in” + ser- (stem of serere “to link together”) + -tus past participle suffix; in- ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of insert¹

C16: from Latin inserere to plant in, ingraft, from _in- ² + serere to join

Example Sentences

"We think that it's despicable that an activist judge has inserted themselves in this migrant detention facility."

From BBC

“HHS pressed us to insert vitamin A into all of our communications with clinicians and health officials,” one CDC scientist told KFF Health News, referring to the agency’s notices and alerts.

From Salon

He inserts “make sure that” and “be able to” in almost every sentence, often multiple times.

From Los Angeles Times

Gunn is so conscious of the trope that he inserts a visual punchline into the “previously on” recap introducing the second season that serves a dual purpose.

From Salon

“Women Wearing Shoulder Pads” does all sorts of neat tricks, some you notice and more you simply accept — and when deemed necessary, or just amusing, it will insert a live-action hand or mouth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• embed 
• enter 
• fill in 
• imbed 
• implant 
• include 
• inject 
• introduce 
• stick