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

But concerns about Israel’s ability and willingness to rein in the settlers remain even among evangelicals, who are among the staunchest Christian supporters of Israel. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Extremist settlers routinely enter Palestinian towns, clashing with villagers and burning homes, mosques and cars. — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

But first, settler violence has been escalating in a West Bank village. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

Breed histories generally point instead to local cats interbreeding with longhaired cats brought to the region by sailors or settlers. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 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