Definition of colonistnext
as in settler
a person who settles in a new region over time the colonists began to sense that they were becoming a people unto themselves

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of colonist In 2023 the district changed the names of three schools which were named after colonists who aided in the genocide of Native Americans in California’s early history. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026 Arjun is part of Echelon IV, tasked with determining what happened to the colonists. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 Native to Eurasia, they were brought to North America by early colonists for food and medicine at the time of the Mayflower, according to the National Library of Medicine. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026 But within three years, the site was found abandoned and its colonists dead — earning the name Port Famine. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonist
Noun
  • The South African government has denied persecuting the ethnic minority, composed of descendants of European settlers, mostly from the Netherlands.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • Now, says Israel uses evidence of a historical Jewish presence in East Jerusalem to justify settlers moving in today.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Across the cage stood MMA pioneer Gina Carano, the original mainstream face of women’s MMA and the opponent fans spent years fantasy-booking against Rousey during the peak of both careers.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • Ben Johnson’s Bears are pioneers in the field of loopy comebacks.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • For a restaurant outside of the hotel, Gladstone Tavern offers American fare in an 1847 colonial farmhouse.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Stroll down Main Road and admire houses representing every era of Westport’s long colonial and maritime history, from Cape Cod cottages and colonial saltboxes to showy Greek Revival sea captains’ homes.
    Anna Laird Barto, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026

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“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonist. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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