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

• 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

The outspoken musician and activist Tom Morello has assembled a diverse array of artists for a playlist in protest of President Donald Trump and his Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s attacks on immigrants. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025

Earlier this year, President Trump himself voiced the need for flexibility on immigrants working in agriculture. —Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 20 Aug. 2025

In addition, recent changes to immigration policy reduce the ability of immigrants to secure health insurance, employment and live a long life in the United States. —Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The rally's theme underscored the importance of immigrants and their impact on economic growth, filling labor shortages, conntributing tax revenues, and enriching communities through cultural traditions and diverse perspectives. —Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing immigrant

• anti-immigrant
• illegal alien/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