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

The contestants have faced auditions, runway challenges and eliminations, with viewers getting a look at the casting process that has historically taken place behind closed doors. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Leach gained national notoriety as a contestant and judge on the Food Network. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Eric Nam, the Korean-American singer and former Traitors contestant, has signed with UTA for representation in all areas, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

The 2028 race could bring at least three more California contestants, none of whom seem likely to end the state’s presidential dry spell. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 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