migrant

[mahy-gruhnt]

adjective

1. migrating, especially of people; migratory.

noun

1. a person or animal that migrates.

2. a person who attempts to permanently relocate to a new country, but who may be subject to removal by the government of that country: unaccompanied child migrants.

   undocumented migrants;

   unaccompanied child migrants.

3. Also called migrant worker. a person who moves from place to place to get work, especially a farm laborer who harvests crops seasonally.

migrant

/ ˈmaɪɡrənt /

noun

1. a person or animal that moves from one region, place, or country to another

2. an itinerant agricultural worker who travels from one district to another

3. 1. an immigrant, esp a recent one

   2. ( as modifier )

      a migrant hostel

adjective

1. moving from one region, place, or country to another; migratory

Other Word Forms

• nonmigrant adjective
• unmigrant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of migrant¹

1665–75; < Latin migrant- (stem of migrāns ), present participle of migrāre. See migrate, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of migrant¹

C17: from Latin migrāre to change one's abode

Example Sentences

Their criticisms were echoed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who said people should see migrants as vulnerable people just like them.

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Scotland cannot rely on migrants to fill social care jobs, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said.

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Like other cities subject to immigration crackdowns, some migrants in Charlotte are staying home for fear of federal agents in the city, according to local media reports.

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Ministers plan to introduce an "earned settlement" system, requiring migrants to demonstrate social integration, economic contribution and good "character" before being granted settled status.

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The assault shocked Germany two days before February's general election after a campaign centred heavily on immigration and security fuelled by a series of deadly stabbing and car ramming attacks carried out by migrants.

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Related Words

• emigrant 
• evacuee 
• expatriate 
• immigrant 
• traveler