settler

noun

set·​tler ˈse-tᵊl-ər How to pronounce settler (audio)
ˈset-lər
1
: one that settles something
a settler of disputes
2
: someone who settles in a new region or colony
the first settlers of New England

Examples of settler in a Sentence

settlers learning to live in peace with the natives in 1889 Jane Addams, in an effort to provide Chicago's latest wave of settlers with much-needed services, founded the city's first settlement house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ballal was beaten by Israeli settlers and detained by the Israeli military a few weeks after his film won an Oscar for best documentary feature. Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025 Some Israeli settlers have since October 7 called for a return to Gush Katif and for the re-settlement of Gaza, a movement emboldened by Israel’s right-wing politicians who have openly called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. Lauren Izso, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025 Sea otters were hunted aggressively by European settlers, and have not returned along the northern part of the coast, but have made a comeback in central California. Byrd Pinkerton, Vox, 1 Apr. 2025 With its historic ties to Dutch settlers and its old-world atmosphere, Sleepy Hollow resembles a storybook European village with its 17th-century church and scenic Hudson River setting. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for settler

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of settler was in 1598

Cite this Entry

“Settler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/settler. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

settler

noun
set·​tler ˈset-lər How to pronounce settler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər
: a person who settles in a new region : colonist

More from Merriam-Webster on settler

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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