migrate

To migrate is defined as to move from one place to another, often moving seasonally.

(verb)

An example of migrate is birds flying south for the winter.

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See migrate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb migrated, migrating

  1. to move from one place to another; esp., to leave one's country and settle in another
  2. to move from one region to another with the change in seasons, as many birds and some fishes do
  3. to move from place to place to harvest seasonal crops

Origin: < L migratus, pp. of migrare, to move from one place to another, change < IE *meigw-, to change location < base *mei-, to change, exchange, wander

Related Forms:

See migrate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb mi·grat·ed, mi·grat·ing, mi·grates
  1. To move from one country or region and settle in another.
  2. To change location periodically, especially by moving seasonally from one region to another.

Origin:

Origin: Latin migrāre, migrāt-; see mei-1 in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • miˈgraˌtor noun
Usage Note: Migrate, which is used of people and animals, sometimes implies a lack of permanent settlement, especially as a result of seasonal or periodic movement. Emigrate and immigrate are used only of people and imply a permanent move, generally across a political boundary. Emigrate describes the move relative to the point of departure: After the Nazis came to power in Germany, many scientists emigrated (that is, left Germany). By contrast, immigrate describes the move relative to the destination: The promise of prosperity in the United States encouraged many people to immigrate (that is, move to the United States).

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