Export Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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export

[ˈɛkspɔːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

trade

To send goods or services to another country for sale.

Synonyms

send out, ship, transport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
export

Used in the context of selling goods or services to another country. Commonly used in business, economics, and trade discussions.

  • The company plans to export its new product line to Europe.
  • Exports from this country have increased significantly over the past year.
ship

Refers specifically to sending goods, typically on a large scale, and often suggests transportation over long distances or overseas. Common in logistics and supply chain contexts.

  • We need to ship these products to the warehouse in California.
  • The store will ship your order within two business days.
send out

Often used when dispatching items, information, or invitations to a large number of people or recipients. Can be both formal and informal.

  • We will send out the invitations next week.
  • The company sent out reminders to all its clients.
transport

Used more generally to refer to the act of moving goods or people from one place to another. Can be used for land, sea, or air transportation.

  • The company transports goods across the country using trucks.
  • Public transport is essential for daily commuting in the city.

Examples of usage

  • The company exports cars to Europe and Asia.
  • China exports a large amount of electronics to the United States.
Context #2 | Noun

business

A product or service that is sold to another country.

Synonyms

commodity, goods, shipment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
export

Use 'export' when discussing the action of sending goods or services from one country to another for sale. It is often used in the context of international trade and economics.

  • The company plans to export its products to Asia next year.
  • Germany is known for exporting high-quality cars around the world.
shipment

Use 'shipment' when discussing the process of sending goods or cargo from one place to another, typically by truck, ship, or plane. It focuses on the movement and logistics part of trade.

  • The shipment of medical supplies arrived at the hospital on time.
  • We are tracking the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination without delay.
goods

Use 'goods' to refer to tangible products that are manufactured or produced, which are often transported and sold to consumers or businesses. This term is generally used more broadly than 'commodity'.

  • The warehouse is full of electronic goods ready for distribution.
  • Consumer goods like clothing and electronics are in high demand.
commodity

Use 'commodity' when referring to raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, such as oil, grain, or gold. It is often used in the context of trading and markets.

  • Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world.
  • The price of cotton, a key commodity, has increased recently.

Examples of usage

  • The country's main exports are oil and gas.
  • The company's top export is pharmaceuticals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Exports are a crucial part of a country's economy, contributing significantly to its GDP.
  • Countries often specialize in exporting certain goods that they produce best, like coffee from Brazil or cars from Germany.

History

  • Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians engaged in export by trading goods like grain and textiles.
  • The Silk Road was a famous trade route that facilitated the export of silk, spices, and other commodities between East and West.

Technology

  • With modern technology, exporting can involve complex logistics and online systems to manage shipping and tracking.
  • E-commerce platforms now allow small businesses to export their products globally with just a few clicks.

Environmental Impact

  • Global exports contribute to carbon emissions due to transportation, raising concerns about sustainability.
  • Some countries prioritize exporting goods that are environmentally friendly, such as renewable energy technologies.

Origin of 'export'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exportare', meaning to carry out.
  • In English, it has been used since the 15th century, originally referring to shipping goods overseas.

The word 'export' originated in the late 15th century, from the Latin word 'exportare' meaning 'to carry out'. The concept of exporting goods has been a fundamental aspect of global trade for centuries, with countries relying on exports to boost their economies and establish international trade relationships.


See also: airport, comport, deport, passport, port, portability, portable, portal, portend, portent, porter, porters, portion, portly, portrait, viewport.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,139, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.