as in settler
a person who settles in a new region over time the colonists began to sense that they were becoming a people unto themselves

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of colonist For example, clashes took place between British colonists and Native Americans in the 17th century, between Dutch colonists and South African tribes in the 17th century, and between Han Chinese and Tibetans in the 20th century. Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025 Dunmore’s suspicion of the colonists, on the other hand, had not. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 Founded by British colonists in 1733, Savannah blends British and French influences. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025 Rum It’s reported that during the 1600s, American colonists consumed 3.7 gallons of rum annually — per head. Jillian Dara, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for colonist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colonist
Noun
  • Ballal was beaten by Israeli settlers and detained by the Israeli military a few weeks after his film won an Oscar for best documentary feature.
    Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Some Israeli settlers have since October 7 called for a return to Gush Katif and for the re-settlement of Gaza, a movement emboldened by Israel’s right-wing politicians who have openly called for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
    Lauren Izso, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The early pioneer in self-driving technology, Waymo has managed to beat Elon Musk-led Tesla and a myriad of now-defunct autonomous vehicle startups to the U.S. market.
    Lora Kolodny,Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • All this is to say that the longest in the world may have actually taken place in the woods, where more skiers than ever are now skimming the backcountry meltwater all spring long—just like the Slush Cup pioneers, Cyril Paris and Cliff White.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Located at 25 West Hills Drive, a quiet cul-de-sac in Avon, this colonial has undeniable curb appeal enhanced by a central front door that is recessed for protection from the weather and defined by pilasters on either side.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
  • McKinley, after all, presided over America’s 1898 emergence as a colonial empire.
    Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colonist. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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