1. people who settle in a new territory that remains connected to their parent country
Usage: plural of colonist

Examples

• The American colonists declared independence from Britain in 1776.
• Early colonists in Jamestown faced harsh winters and food shortages.
• French colonists established trading posts along the Mississippi River.
• The colonists brought European customs to the New World.
• Many colonists came seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.
• Spanish colonists built missions throughout California.
• The colonists learned farming techniques from Native Americans.