settler
UK: ˈset.lər | US: ˈset.lɚ
n. a person who moves with a group of others to live in a new region or country
n. a person who establishes residence in a previously uninhabited or sparsely inhabited area
n. (law) a party who agrees to resolve a dispute out of court
The word "settler" derives from the verb "settle," which originated from Old English setlan (to seat, place firmly), itself from Proto-Germanic satlijaną. The suffix "-er" (agentive) was added to denote a person who performs the action of settling. Historically, "settler" emerged in the 16th century to describe colonists establishing communities in newly claimed lands, reflecting the era's expansionist movements. The morphemes combine logically: "settle" (establishing permanence) + "-er" (the actor).
Early settlers in North America faced harsh winters and unfamiliar terrain.
The government offered land grants to attract settlers to the frontier.
As a settler of disputes, her role was to mediate conflicts fairly.
Modern settlers in Mars colonization projects must adapt to extreme conditions.
The indigenous tribes encountered European settlers in the 17th century.