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

Still, applicants and immigration attorneys say its unclear how big a difference the exemption will make. —Amy Taxin, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

Washington and some other states, however, started rejecting licensure applicants or revoking nurses with diplomas from those schools even before the investigation was made public. —Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026

To close persistent gender gaps in nursing, leaders must invest in accessible funding for nurses’ education, expand outreach to men, and amplify men working in nursing as mentors to future applicants. —Nicholas A. Giordano, STAT, 8 May 2026

All applicants will be notified of their status by May 18. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 May 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