Homesteader Meaning and Definition
Homesteader
Pronunciation
/ˈhʌmstiːdər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has settled and is living on land that they have been granted or have acquired through purchase, typically in a rural area, often with the aim of cultivating the land for personal sustenance or profit.
Etymology
The word “Homesteader” originated in the mid-19th century in the United States and Canada, from the term “homestead,” meaning a person’s home and land.
Usage Notes
Homesteader is often used to describe someone who has chosen a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle, often living off the land and relying on themselves for their basic needs.
Cultural References
- In the popular TV show “Little House on the Prairie,” the Ingalls family is often depicted as homesteaders, settling and farming on the American frontier.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “From scratch” – to start something from the beginning, as a homesteader might start their own farm from scratch.
Related Words or Phrases
- Settler
- Farmer
- Pioneer
Collocations
- homesteader’s farm
- homesteader’s land
- homesteader’s way
Frequency of Use
The word “Homesteader” is relatively uncommon in modern language, but it is still used to describe individuals who follow a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Common Misspellings
- Homesteader
- Homesteder
- Homestider