immigrate

[ im-i-greyt ]

verb (used without object)

, im·mi·grat·ed, im·mi·grat·ing.

1. to come to a country of which one is not a native, usually for permanent residence.
2. to pass or come into a new habitat or place, as an organism.

verb (used with object)

, im·mi·grat·ed, im·mi·grat·ing.

1. to introduce as settlers:

   to immigrate cheap labor.

immigrate

/ ˈɪmɪˌɡreɪt /

verb

1. intr to come to a place or country of which one is not a native in order to settle there Compare emigrate
2. intr (of an animal or plant) to migrate to a new geographical area
3. tr to introduce or bring in as an immigrant

Derived Forms

• ˈimmiˌgrator, noun
• ˈimmiˌgratory, adjective

Other Words From

• immi·grator noun
• un·immi·grating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of immigrate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin immigrātus (past participle of immigrāre “to move into”); im- ¹, migrate

Word History and Origins

Origin of immigrate¹

C17: from Latin immigrāre to go into, from im- + migrāre to move

Synonym Study

See migrate.

Example Sentences

From there, the Canadian government ranks applicants and invites the highest-ranking ones to apply to immigrate.

From Salon

Japan isn’t particularly easy to immigrate to without a work visa.

From Salon

If Johnson-Reed was still in place Harris’ parents would not have been able to immigrate to the United States.

From Salon

If people immigrate here, it can only be at the expense of those who live here.

From Salon

My husband and I always wanted to immigrate to America to give our children a better life and we are proud to be Americans by choice.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrive
• migrate