B2noun5K

Settler

UK /["/ˈsetlə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈsetlər/"]/

Definition

a person who goes to live in a new country or region

In simple words: A person who moves to a new place to live.

Examples

  • Most of the settlers came from England.
  • French settlers founded New Orleans.
  • The islands attracted more settlers than mainland colonies.
  • When the first settlers moved into the area they faced immense hardships.

Usage notes

Use 'settler' mainly in historical or geographical contexts. It may not be appropriate in discussions about current immigration, where terms like 'immigrant' or 'refugee' are more accurate.

Grammar pattern

settler + noun (e.g., settler community)

Memory hint

Think of 'settle down' — a settler is someone who settles in a new place.

Collocations

  • early
  • first
  • original
  • attract
  • arrive
  • come
  • move in
  • settler from
  • settler in

Synonyms

  • pioneer
  • colonist
  • inhabitant
  • settlement founder

Antonyms

  • migrant
  • expatriate

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'settler' with 'colonizer' which has a more negative connotation.
  • Using 'settler' to describe someone who travels temporarily, rather than someone who establishes a permanent residence.
  • Not knowing that 'settler' often refers to individuals in specific historical contexts.