Word
migrant
Phoneticsmi·grant, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪɡɹənt/
UK/mˈaɪɡɹənt/
Definitions
01a person moving for work/life
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who moves from one region or country to another, usually to find a job or a better life.
n. a person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions. Often used in socio-political contexts regarding international borders.
“Many migrants move to the city during the harvest season to find work on farms.”
“The government is currently reviewing its policies regarding the integration of economic migrants into the local workforce.”
Pitfall
The country welcomed many migrant people.
The country welcomed many migrants.
While 'migrant' can be an adjective, it is most commonly used as a countable noun to refer to the people themselves.
02a migratory animal
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. an animal, especially a bird, that travels from one part of the world to another at certain times of the year.
n. an animal that exhibits migratory behaviour, typically moving between breeding and wintering grounds.
“The wetlands are a vital stop for feathered migrants flying south for the winter.”
“Ornithologists tracked the tiny migrants across the continent to better understand the impact of climate change on their flight paths.”
Synonyms
03moving or wandering
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. describing a person or animal that moves from place to place rather than staying in one home.
adj. characterised by migration; used to describe populations or individuals in the act of relocating.
“The migrant workers follow the fruit crops across the country throughout the summer.”
“The study focused on the health challenges faced by migrant populations who lack consistent access to primary healthcare services.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Security forces in Fnideq have stepped up operations to prevent migrants from crossing into Ceuta.” “Witnesses said they saw teargas being fired at migrants on hills near the border.” “At least 111 people have been arrested for trying to get into Ceuta following another call on social media for a mass crossing of migrants.” Etymology
Borrowed from French migrant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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