applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt 

: one who applies

a job applicant

Synonyms

• 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

For applicants, this begins with ensuring current compliance by filing all required returns, paying any outstanding liabilities, and meeting foreign asset and accounts information reporting obligations. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

The site is surrounded by commercial, residential and light industrial areas, according to the applicant’s submission. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025

The applicants also include Black Arts MKE, Lynden Sculpture Garden, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Optimist Theatre, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and Woodland Pattern Book Center. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Some of the city's charter schools made applicants take tests, too. —Aubri Juhasz, NPR, 8 Sep. 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