Definition of migrant

The word "migrant" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "migrare" means "to change one's home" or "to move from one place to another." This Latin verb is derived from "miser" or "moveo," which means "to move." The English word "migrant" has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to someone who moves from one place to another, often in search of food, work, or better living conditions. Over time, the term has taken on different meanings, such as referring to people who relocate within their own country or across international borders, often fleeing war, persecution, or hardship. Today, the term "migrant" is widely used in contexts such as immigration, refugee studies, and environmental conservation, where it describes individuals or species that move to new habitats in search of resources, safety, or a better life.