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

Ten applicants reside outside the Lake Worth district, and four live in the district. —Samuel O’Neal 23, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026

These may not be immediate possibilities — applicants for summer jobs are not often vetted over lunch — but might occur in the near future. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026

Even a 30% increase would still keep our out-of-state tuition well below the national average, reduce the number of out-of-state applicants and put our rates in line with states such as Texas and North Carolina. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

Porter County seeks applicants for boards The Porter County Council is looking for interested persons for three boards, a release said. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 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