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

Afrikaners are descended from mainly Dutch and French colonial settlers who first came to South Africa in the 17th century. — CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Festival-goers will find more than dozens of booths, including a large children’s area, a historical exhibit documenting local Hispanic settlers, and a fine art exhibit. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026

Along the top, figures representing Glenview’s citizens, service members from the former Naval Air Station Glenview, and even including early settler John Kennicott, walk across the bridge above. — Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Some leaders in Netanyahu’s Cabinet began calling for Gaza to be reopened to settlers. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 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