occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who acquires title by occupancy

2

: one who occupies a particular place

especially : resident

Synonyms

• denizen
• dweller
• habitant
• inhabitant
• inhabiter
• resident
• resider
• tenant

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

Following a short chase, the van pulled off the road and its four occupants ran; police caught only one of them — Valdes. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024

Advertisement The other two occupants were their mother, Valencia Avilez, 24, and father, Marky Flores, 25. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

An agent working a protective assignment in Northwest Washington spotted a sedan with multiple occupants who were attempting to open car doors along the street around 1:30 a.m., Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. —Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Where on earth will the occupants put their glasses of champagne? —James Morris, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈäk-yə-pənt 

: a person who occupies something

especially : resident entry 2 sense 1

Legal Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who occupies a particular place

an occupant of the car

the occupant of the apartment

2

: one who acquires title by occupancy