1. people who support or practice colonialism; advocates of establishing or maintaining colonies
Usage: plural form

Examples

• European colonialists established settlements across Africa in the 19th century.
• The colonialists imposed their language and customs on indigenous populations.
• Many colonialists believed they were bringing civilization to distant lands.
• Local resistance movements fought against the colonialists for independence.
• The colonialists extracted valuable resources from their territories.
• Modern historians critically examine the actions of past colonialists.