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
Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024
In the novel, Mickey 7 is a space colonist known as an expendable.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024
Microbes and our hands The vast majority of microbes on and in the human body are persistent but harmless colonists.
—Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024
American colonists started a revolution partly over taxes.
—John Stossel, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2024
Zubrin writes that Mars’ colonists will generate a lot of their early income from the sale and licensing of intellectual property mainly for consumption back on Earth.
—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024
The Beaver Moon takes its name from early Native American tribes as well as American colonists, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when beavers begin sheltering in their lodges after gathering enough food to last the winter.
—John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Jan. 2024
The site also boasted musket parts and 1,200 pieces of lead shot—mostly hunting ammunition—as well as stone and glass beads that colonists likely traded with Native Americans.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024
French-Creole colonists brought the beignet to the city in the 18th century.
—Lanee Lee, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024
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.
Word History
1701, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near colonist
Cite this Entry
“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonist. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
colonist
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on colonist
Nglish: Translation of colonist for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of colonist for Arabic Speakers
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