contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt 

 also  ˈkän-ˌte-

1

: one that participates in a contest

2

: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms

• challenger
• competition
• competitor
• contender
• corrival
• rival

Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins.

The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.

Recent Examples on the Web

This week, both our contestants were nominated for their drive and enthusiasm inside and outside the classroom. —Rebecca Loroff, Journal Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2024

In a moment from the episode, which was shared to the game show's social media accounts on Tuesday, October 29, Seacrest was getting to know two contestants on the episode, Kayley and Caitlyn. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Who went home on 'Survivor' Season 47, Episode 7? During the immunity and reward challenge, contestants were divided into two groups, with Probst telling players that only one of the teams would be safe. —Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024

But while that means some contestants are now free to fade back into their lives of being semi-celebrities, other contestants have remained in the eye of the public. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

contestant

noun

con·​test·​ant

kən-ˈtes-tənt,

 also  ˈkän-ˌtes-

: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant

: one that initiates or participates in a contest