# immigrant

/ˈɪməɡɹənt/ (US) · /ˈɪmɪɡɹənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/immigrant
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a person moving countries

noun · CEFR B1

someone who comes to live in a different country from the one where they were born.

For teachers: a person who migrates to a country of which they are not a native in order to settle there permanently.

- My grandfather was an immigrant who moved here from Italy in 1950.
- The city's vibrant culture is largely a result of the diverse immigrant communities that have settled there over the last century.

### 2. biology

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a plant or animal that starts living in a new area where it did not live before.

For teachers: an organism that establishes itself in a new ecosystem or geographical region where it was previously absent.

- The colorful bird is a recent immigrant to this part of the forest.
- Ecologists are monitoring the spread of the new plant immigrant to ensure it does not displace native species in the wetlands.

### 3. related to moving countries

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to people who move to a new country or the experience of moving.

For teachers: pertaining to immigrants or the process of immigration; used attributively before a noun.

- The government is discussing new immigrant laws this week.
- The documentary provides a moving account of the immigrant experience, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a foreign tongue and culture.

## Examples

- My grandfather was an immigrant who moved here for work.
- The city has a diverse population because many immigrants settled here during the last century.
- The government is currently debating new policies to support immigrants as they integrate into the local workforce and education system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.