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

State officials also cited a government code that protects names of superintendent applicants from public release. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026

The council will then decide on June 24 how to divide a total of $75,000 among the applicants. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

The hope is to reach a fundraising minimum of $500,000 to forever sustain what will begin as an annual scholarship worth $20,000 to a single applicant beginning the first quarter of 2027. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

In the 2024-25 cycle, after losing $400 million of funding, small urban and rural applicants had to score 95 points and urban applicants had to score 96 to be considered. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 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