settler

noun

set·​tler ˈse-tᵊl-ər How to pronounce settler (audio)
ˈset-lər
Synonyms of settlernext
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The resulting wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, along with settler violence in the occupied West Bank, have stoked worldwide outrage, straining ties with Israel's closest allies and fueling a rise in antisemitism. — Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026 Viewers will learn about the fragile alliance between the English settlers and the Wampanoag people, and the conflict that set the stage for the earliest foundations of American identity, according to FOX Nation. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026 Before settlers came, a few species of native roses grew in the nation, and here in Illinois. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Spurred to vote on Tuesday by a combination of outrage over the war in Gaza, settler violence in the West Bank, and unchecked violent crime in Arab communities, Israel’s Arab citizens turned out in unprecedented numbers. — Ilan Ben Zion, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for settler

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of settler was in 1598

Phrases Containing settler

Browse Nearby Words

settle on/upon (something)
settler
settler's-clock
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Cite this Entry

“Settler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/settler. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

settler

noun
set·​tler ˈset-lər How to pronounce settler (audio)
-ᵊl-ər
: a person who settles in a new region : colonist
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