reimport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “reimport” mean?
To import (goods, data, or services) again, especially after they have been exported.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To import (goods, data, or services) again, especially after they have been exported.
The act of bringing something back into a country or system that had previously been sent out of it; can apply to goods, digital data, software components, or even cultural ideas.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English shows a stronger tendency to use the hyphenated form 're-import' alongside the solid form. American English overwhelmingly prefers the solid form 'reimport'.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties, carrying neutral/technical connotations.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Slightly more frequent in British English due to EU trade documentation historically using the hyphenated form.
Grammar
How to Use “reimport” in a Sentence
[Noun Phrase] + reimport + [Noun Phrase] (e.g., The company reimported the components)reimport + [Noun Phrase] + from + [Noun Phrase] (e.g., They plan to reimport textiles from Asia)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reimport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm had to re-import the parts due to a flaw in the overseas assembly.
- You can reimport your saved data after updating the software.
American English
- The company will reimport the processed goods to avoid tariffs.
- After editing the CSV file, reimport it into the application.
adverb
British English
- Goods were sent re-import (rare usage).
American English
- The data flowed reimport (rare usage).
adjective
British English
- The re-import duty was a subject of debate in Parliament.
- They faced re-import restrictions on the equipment.
American English
- The reimport license was difficult to obtain.
- They analyzed reimport statistics for the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the practice of importing goods that were previously manufactured and exported, often relevant for tariffs and trade agreements.
Academic
Used in economics papers discussing trade loops, value-added chains, or data processing workflows.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation. Might be encountered in tech support (e.g., 'reimport your contacts').
Technical
Common in IT and software (e.g., reimport a database, reimport a module in programming).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reimport”
- Misspelling as 're-import' in contexts where the solid form is standard (AmE).
- Using it without the implied prior export (e.g., 'I will reimport this new car' is incorrect if the car was never exported).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be written as one word ('reimport') or with a hyphen ('re-import'). The solid form is more common in American English, while the hyphenated form is frequently seen in British English.
The act itself is called 'reimport' or 'reimportation' (more formal).
No, by definition, 'reimport' requires a prior export. If there was no export, you are simply 'importing' it.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used mainly in business, trade, and technical fields like IT and data management.
To import (goods, data, or services) again, especially after they have been exported.
Reimport is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Reimport: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːɪmˈpɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriɪmˈpɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms containing 'reimport'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE' (again) + 'IMPORT' (bring in) = to bring in again.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CIRCULAR JOURNEY or a BOOMERANG EFFECT for goods/data.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'reimport' MOST likely to be used?