settler

noun

set·​tler ˈse-tᵊl-ər 

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

Synonyms of settler

• pioneer
• colonist

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

While Willick was there, some settlers drove by in a white pickup and smiled—including Levi. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

The vote on the bill is the latest action by members of Prime Minister Benjamin ⁠Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition to cause concern among Israel’s allies in Europe, who have ​also been critical ⁠of Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. —Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026

Punishment of Israeli settlers for violence against Palestinians is also rare. —Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

After Missouri became a state in 1821, American settlers and French fur traders flocked to the region. —Elijah Winkler, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing settler

• settler-colonial
• settler colonialism
• settler-colonialist
• settler colony

Kids Definition

settler

noun

set·​tler ˈset-lər 

-ᵊl-ər

: a person who settles in a new region : colonist