immigrant

American  

[im-i-gruhnt] / ˈɪm ɪ grənt /

noun

1. a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence.

2. an organism found in a new habitat.

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adjective

1. of or relating to immigrants and immigration.

   a department for immigrant affairs.

2. immigrating.

immigrant British  

/ ˈɪmɪɡrənt /

noun

1. 1. a person who comes to a country in order to settle there Compare emigrant

   2. ( as modifier )

      an immigrant community

2. an animal or plant that lives or grows in a region to which it has recently migrated

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Other Word Forms

• nonimmigrant noun

Etymology

Origin of immigrant

An Americanism first recorded in 1780–90; from Latin immigrant-, stem of immigrāns “moving into,” present participle of immigrāre “to move into”; equivalent to im- ¹ + migrant

Example Sentences

Because of its origin and age, Ji described it as an "ancient immigrant."

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Beyond intermarriages, Black residents in California are also likely to have immigrant friends or neighbors, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The government said it plans to convert warehouses for an immigrant detention network that would collectively hold more than 92,000 people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Hussan Jamil, who said he was a healthcare assistant, a Muslim and an immigrant, has been living in the UK for six years.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Others protect migrants from the police, often at great risk, since they can be accused of immigrant smuggling.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario