What does migrant mean?
A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another, usually because of work, seasonal employment, or a search for better opportunities. The word is used in both British and US English and appears in expressions such as migrant worker, migrant labour, and migrant population. Depending on context, a migrant may move between regions or countries, travel temporarily, or relocate permanently. The term is often associated with seasonal work, international movement, and the practical questions of housing, wages, legal status, and community support that affect mobile populations. It is related in origin to migrate and migration, and it overlaps with immigrant and emigrant, although those words usually place more emphasis on crossing an international border. Migrant also has an adjectival use, as in migrant birds, for something that moves regularly between places.
A person who moves from one place to another, especially for work or temporary employment.
"Local authorities built a hostel for migrant workers."
Moving regularly from one place or region to another; migratory.
"Migrant birds returned to the wetlands in spring."
The plural is migrants.
"The charity provides legal advice to migrants and their families."
Migrant comes from the Latin word for moving: its hidden idea of travel connects seasonal workers, migrating birds, and people building new lives in distant countries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does migrant come from?
The word comes through French from the Latin present participle migrans, meaning “moving” or “migrating,” which was formed from migrare, “to move from one place to another.” English developed several related forms, including migrate, migration, and immigrant. These words share a Latin root describing movement between places, although their modern meanings can distinguish temporary movement, permanent relocation, and movement across national borders.
Related word forms
How migrant is actually used
The term is common in British and US English. In contexts such as migrant labour and migrant workers, it can refer to people moving for seasonal or temporary employment, but it can also be used more broadly for people who relocate across borders. The word may be used neutrally or as part of a public-policy discussion about the rights and living conditions of mobile populations.
Easily confused with migrant
A migrant is someone who moves, often temporarily or for work, whereas an immigrant is a person who moves to another country with the intention of settling there.
An emigrant is someone who leaves their country of origin, while a migrant is anyone who moves from one place to another.