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

Of the fifty or so applicants, Freitas recalls at least two getting rejected. —Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026

The applicant also included a follow-up email explaining the scope of the work and requesting payment within 14 days. —Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

The applicant, South Morro Hills 47, LLC, is requesting a conditional use permit for cannabis cultivation in the 1300 block of Sleeping Indian Road. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026

Montenegro pointed out that law students, attorneys who don’t have cases on a particular day and immigration judge applicants — and curious members of the public — are all also frequent presences who need consistent access to proceedings too. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 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