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”).

Synonyms of immigrant

• migrant
• emigrant
• settler
• refugee

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

Elleson has said Medicare should be primarily for older Americans and has suggested that immigrants are straining healthcare resources. — Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026

The Republican administration says the 4th Circuit decision conflicts with rulings by at least three other circuits and, if upheld, will hamper the government's ability to deport immigrants with terrorism ties in many other cases. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Since Winter Springs involvement with ICE, the city has turned in 5 immigrants with outstanding warrants. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot an undocumented immigrant, Oscar Belgal, in his car as his 5-year-old son sat in the back seat. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immigrant

• anti-immigrant

Rhymes for immigrant

• nonimmigrant

Kids 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