Homesteader: meaning, definitions and examples

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homesteader

 

[ ˈhoʊmˌstɛdər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

land ownership

A homesteader is an individual who settles on and cultivates land, often with the intention of establishing a home and farm. The term originated from the Homestead Act of 1862 in the United States, which provided lands to individuals willing to develop them. Homesteaders typically prioritize self-sufficiency and sustainable living. This lifestyle often involves farming, livestock raising, and building their own homes. The concept is closely associated with the idea of the American frontier and pioneering spirit.

Synonyms

Landowner, pioneer, settler

Examples of usage

  • The homesteader worked tirelessly to improve the land.
  • Many homesteaders faced hardships in the harsh winters.
  • The government encouraged homesteaders to populate the territory.

Translations

Translations of the word "homesteader" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colonizador

🇮🇳 घरबूंदि

🇩🇪 Siedler

🇮🇩 petani

🇺🇦 оселенець

🇵🇱 osadnik

🇯🇵 ホームステッダー

🇫🇷 colon

🇪🇸 colono

🇹🇷 yerleşimci

🇰🇷 정착민

🇸🇦 مستوطن

🇨🇿 osadník

🇸🇰 osadník

🇨🇳 定居者

🇸🇮 naseljenec

🇮🇸 heimamenn

🇰🇿 қоныс тепкен

🇬🇪 გასახლებული

🇦🇿 kolonist

🇲🇽 colono

Etymology

The term 'homesteader' has its roots in the Homestead Act of 1862, a significant piece of legislation in the United States. The Homestead Act aimed to encourage the settlement of the American West by granting 160 acres of public land to any adult citizen who could pay a small fee and meet certain requirements. This act reflected the American belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that the United States was destined to expand across the continent. Homesteaders were individuals who took advantage of this act, moving to unclaimed land to establish farms and homes. For many, becoming a homesteader was synonymous with pursuing the dream of land ownership and self-sufficiency. The lifestyle of homesteaders often involved hard work, farming, and a deep connection to the land, shaping the agricultural landscape of America. Over time, the legacy of homesteaders has continued to influence agricultural practices and rural culture in the United States, symbolizing perseverance, independence, and the spirit of exploration.