occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
1
: one who acquires title by occupancy
2
: one who occupies a particular place
especially : resident

Examples of occupant in a Sentence

The apartment's previous occupant was a painter. Both of the car's occupants were injured.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least two-thirds of crash victims were pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants of cars turning left at intersections without traffic signals. David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024 The body is thought to belong to the former occupant of the property, which is located in Erstroff in eastern France, who disappeared in 2009, according to a statement from the local prosecutor’s office published Monday. Jack Guy, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 This way, no occupants ever have to leave an exit to retrieve a fire extinguisher. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2024 Ultimately, and perhaps paradoxically, although the next president will hold huge sway over these chaotic global undercurrents, the occupant of the Oval Office will not be the dominant hegemonic leader as in the 20th century. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for occupant 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, from present participle of occuper "to occupy"

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupant was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near occupant

Cite this Entry

“Occupant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupant. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

occupant

noun
oc·​cu·​pant ˈäk-yə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
: a person who occupies something

Legal Definition

occupant

noun
oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
1
: one who occupies a particular place
an occupant of the car
the occupant of the apartment
2
: one who acquires title by occupancy

More from Merriam-Webster on occupant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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