colonist
noun
Paige Embry 
Usage of Colonist and Colonizer
Colonist and colonizer both have meanings closely tied to the word colonialism in its use referring to domination of a foreign people or area. Colonist, which comes directly from the noun colony, is the more common—and usually more neutral—term. Colonizer, which comes from the verb colonize, is used especially in contexts in which the exploitative nature of colonialism is being discussed or evoked; in phrases like "colonizer mindset/mentality" it implies a benefit from or even active participation in that exploitation.
Synonyms
Examples of colonist in a Sentence
Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2024
This thought came from colonists who first saw the cicadas and called them ‘locusts,’ but these insects are not related to each other.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for colonist 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'colonist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near colonist
Cite this Entry
“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonist. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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colonist
noun
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