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

In Connecticut, an applicant’s prospects can vary widely from one court to another. — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

Nearly 60,000 participants are set to run the course this year, chosen from a pool of over 240,000 applicants as part of New York Road Runners’ highly competitive selection process. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026

The Navy also wants applicants to identify themselves as traditional or non-traditional defense contractors. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

The dispute ultimately went Sanders’ way after the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board issued a notice of default in June 2024, following the applicant’s failure to respond. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

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