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.
Examples of colonist in a Sentence
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
By 1800, colonists had brought it in seed mixes from Europe to North America, intent on feeding their livestock familiar European species rather than the abundant native grasses of the new continent.
—Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for colonist
Cite this Entry
“Colonist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colonist. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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colonist
noun
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