applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms of applicant

• candidate

Examples of applicant in a Sentence

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job.

have numerous applicants for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

Her decision comes two weeks after council members opened the process to new applicants, following a deadlock after city leaders could not agree who should be appointed to fill the seat. —Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025

After a marathon of presentations and interviews Thursday, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors narrowed a field of 12 applicants to three finalists for sheriff — a position the board now has the rare opportunity to fill. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Charlotte received more than 150 applicants. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025

And in June, Kobick expanded the injunction’s coverage to cover all transgender, nonbinary, and intersex applicants. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -ant entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

circa 1742, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈap-li-kənt 

: one who applies for something

an applicant for work