Import object (7)

I believe the answer is:

meaning

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'import object' is the definition.
'meaning' can be an answer for 'import' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'object' bit.

'import object' is the wordplay.
'import' becomes 'mean' (I've seen this before).
'object' becomes 'ing' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'mean'+'ing'='MEANING'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for meaning that I've seen before include "Purpose, intent" , "Drift" , "Sense intended" , "Significance" , "Definition (of 7 21?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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