Immigrants: meaning, definitions and examples

Applied to people who move from one place to another, usually for work or better living conditions. It can refer to both internal and international movement and is common in discussions about labor and seasonal work.

• Many migrants travel to find seasonal work on farms
• The government is setting up more support for migrant workers

Refers to someone from another country, regardless of whether they are living temporarily or permanently in the new country. Often used in casual conversations and sometimes carries a slight negative connotation.

• Foreigners often find it challenging to adapt to new customs
• She felt like a foreigner in the small town

Typically used to describe someone who moves to a new area and establishes a community there, often historically or in the context of colonization. Sometimes the term has a colonial undertone.

• Early settlers faced many hardships in the new territory
• The settlers established the first town in the region

This term is broader and can refer to someone who moves from one place to another, either within or between countries, often for work or better living conditions. It does not necessarily imply permanent residence.

• Seasonal migrants come to the region to work on farms.
• The government is debating new policies on how to support migrants.

This word is used to describe someone from another country. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially if used to emphasize someone's status as an outsider.

• As a foreigner, she was fascinated by the local customs.
• Some locals are wary of talking to foreigners.

This word describes someone who has recently arrived in a place, not necessarily from another country. It emphasizes the novelty and newness of their presence.

• The school organized a welcome event for the newcomers.
• As a newcomer to the city, she appreciated all the help she received.

Use when referring to people who have moved to a new country to live there permanently.

• The country has a large community of immigrants who have enriched the local culture

Refers to people who move from place to place within a country or between countries to find seasonal or temporary work, especially in agriculture.

• The farm relies heavily on migrant workers during the harvest season

Refers to someone from another country who is legally working in a different country, usually for a specific period or purpose.

• The IT company hired several foreign workers to assist with the software development project

Use for workers from a foreign country who are allowed to work temporarily in a host country, often in labor-intensive jobs.

• Germany has a history of guest workers who helped rebuild the country after World War II