Insert

//ɪnˈsɜːt// noun, verb, slang

noun, verb, slang ·Common ·Middle school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An image inserted into text.
  2. 2
    A key that when pressed switches between the overtype mode and the insert mode of a computer.

    "Now type the word "fleece" and then a space, and press INSERT once more to cancel LOCK INSERT."

  3. 3
    (film) a still picture that is introduced and that interrupts the action of a film wordnet
  4. 4
    A promotional or instructive leaflet inserted into a magazine, newspaper, tape or disk package, etc.

    "This software can print compact disc inserts if you have the right size of paper."

  5. 5
    (broadcasting) a local announcement inserted into a network program wordnet
Show 10 more definitions
  1. 6
    A mechanical component inserted into another.

    "a threaded insert"

  2. 7
    an artifact that is inserted or is to be inserted wordnet
  3. 8
    An expression, such as "please" or an interjection, that may occur at various points in an utterance.
  4. 9
    a folded section placed between the leaves of another publication wordnet
  5. 10
    A sequence of DNA inserted into another DNA molecule.
  6. 11
    A pre-recorded segment included as part of a live broadcast.
  7. 12
    A close-up shot used to draw attention to a particular element of a larger scene.

    "[…] close-ups of her legs on the escalator, an insert of the emergency stop button (ARRET D'URGENCE), intercut close-ups of her glance and the cinema sign, […]"

  8. 13
    A diaper insert. informal
  9. 14
    A plug-in that adds an effect to an audio track.
  10. 15
    A key to toggle between text insert mode and overwrite mode
Verb
  1. 1
    To put in between or into. transitive

    "In order to withdraw money from a cash machine, you have to insert your debit card."

  2. 2
    place, fit, or thrust (something) into another thing wordnet
  3. 3
    insert casually wordnet
  4. 4
    fit snugly into wordnet
  5. 5
    put or introduce into something wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
enterenterintroduceput inslip inad

Antonyms

All antonyms
delete

Example

More examples

"Do not touch or insert foreign objects into the connectors of the console or accessories."

Etymology

From Latin insertus, past participle of inserō, from in- + serō (“join, bind together, connect, entwine, interweave”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to bind, put together, to line up”). Compare exsert.

Related phrases

bra insertdiaper insertdiaper insertinsert songnappy insertself-insertself-insertshoe insertsnake insertvinyl insert

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.