immigrant
noun
im·mi·grant
ˈi-mə-grənt 
: one that immigrates: such as
a
: a person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence
b
: a plant or animal that becomes established in an area where it was previously unknown
immigrant
adjective
Did you know?
immigrant or emigrant?
Both of these words come from the Latin migrare (“to move from one place to another”), and both have definitions in English that hew closely to their etymological roots, but there is a definite difference between how you would use each one. Emigrant is used in reference to the country that has been left (“an emigrant from Canada”), while immigrant is used in reference the country that one is destined for (“an immigrant to Spain”).
Examples of immigrant in a Sentence
Millions of immigrants came to America from Europe in the 19th century.
The city has a large immigrant population.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tulloss said his organization supports creating a pathway to citizenship for the city’s undocumented immigrants.
—
Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Throughout the speech, the socialist mayor argued that the United States has been defined by generations of immigrants and other groups overcoming oppression while casting today’s political and economic leaders as forces working against that legacy.
—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 July 2026
The health care industry has been a major employer of immigrants.
—
Sharon Epperson,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Actions on the state level are also impacting the organizations that assist immigrants.
—
Diamy Wang
july 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for immigrant
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show current usage.
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Melissa Gomez,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
Throughout the speech, the socialist mayor argued that the United States has been defined by generations of immigrants and other groups overcoming oppression while casting today’s political and economic leaders as forces working against that legacy.
—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
3 July 2026
The health care industry has been a major employer of immigrants.
—
Sharon Epperson,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
Actions on the state level are also impacting the organizations that assist immigrants.
—
Diamy Wang
july 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for immigrant
Cite this Entry
“Immigrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immigrant. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
immigrant
noun
im·mi·grant
ˈim-i-grənt
1
: a person who comes to a country to live there
2
: a plant or animal that becomes established in an area where it did not occur previously
immigrant
adjective
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