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 of contestant

• competitor
• contender
• challenger
• 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

In the Elimination Challenge, James Beard Award finalist Collier — who owns Uptown Yolk with his wife, Subrina, and serves as executive chef at Fine & Fettle — crafted a variety of his trademark Southern side dishes for the contestants to turn into main dishes. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026

The theme for the first live show was songs of faith, with each contestant choosing a performance to match. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026

The contestants will have 90 minutes to prepare to feed the first service in a restaurant with 40 diners, and then 90 minutes for the rest of the service. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026

The six contestants who weren't called were instantly eliminated based on America's votes from the Hawaii competition round. —Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for contestant

• decongestant

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