verb (used without object), mi·grat·ed, mi·grat·ing.
- to go from one country, region, or place to another.
- to pass periodically from one region or climate to another, as certain birds, fishes, and animals: The birds migrate southward in the winter.
- to shift, as from one system, mode of operation, or enterprise to another.
- Physiology. (of a cell, tissue, etc.) to move from one region of the body to another, as in embryonic development.
- Chemistry.
- (of ions) to move toward an electrode during electrolysis.
- (of atoms within a molecule) to change position.
- (at British universities) to change or transfer from one college to another.
verb (intr)
- to go from one region, country, or place of abode to settle in another, esp in a foreign country
- (of birds, fishes, etc) to journey between different areas at specific times of the year
v.1690s, from Latin migratus, past participle of migrare “to move from one place to another” (see migration). Related: Migrated; migrating.