suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsü-tər 

1

: one that petitions or entreats

2

: a party to a suit at law

3

: one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

4

: one who seeks to take over a business

Synonyms

• gallant
• swain
• wooer

Examples of suitor in a Sentence

He was her most persistent suitor, and she eventually agreed to marry him.

An unwanted suitor is buying up the company's stock.

Recent Examples on the Web

As portrayed by newcomer Zoe Ziegler, Lacy is a peculiar hyper-anxious child whose insatiable neediness for her mother will be imperiled by three adults: Janet’s live-in boyfriend (on his way out), her old friend and a potential new suitor. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024

Like many possible suitors, Orlando may shoot higher than Thompson at first. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 18 June 2024

The third season has already pointed us toward this storyline in season four, but exactly who Benedict’s suitor is remains to be seen. —Aja Romano, Vox, 18 June 2024

Denver, 33, can be spotted at the end of the 14-time Grammy winner’s music video and as her new suitor. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sutour, suytour, follower, petitioner, from Anglo-French siuter, suytour, from Latin secutor follower, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsüt-ər 

1

: one that petitions or pleads

2

: a party to a suit at law

3

: a man who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

Legal Definition

suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsü-tər 

1

: a party to a suit

2

: one that seeks to take over a business

approved the merger before the suitor obtained a 10% stake

—Wall Street Journal