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

Elk were once an abundant source of food in the Alleghenies, both for the Seneca and for the settlers streaming in. —Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Israeli laws allow settlers to reclaim properties that were owned by other Jews before the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation. —Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026

Long before the ecosystems in Illinois were altered by settlers, Native Americans used cottonwood bark for food and medicine, and the roots to create ceremonial items. —Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026

Israeli laws allow settlers to reclaim properties that were owned by other Jews before the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. —ABC News, 9 June 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