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

Others in the new season include four previous Survivor contestants, Big Brother alums Britney Haynes and Danielle Reyes, The Real Housewives franchise faces like Chanel Ayan and Dolores Catania, Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval, and former RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 7 June 2024

America's Got Talent contestant freaks out the judges — and the audience — in season 19 premiere When Cowell went to smash the golden button, the judges called him out. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 5 June 2024

Charlotte-area contestants from ‘The Ultimatum’ reveal their favorite date spots. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2024

Several of Edgell's fellow season 14 contestants attended the wedding, including Sakunthala Chandrasekara, who shared pictures of the castmates celebrating and posing together with Edgell. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 3 June 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