contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
 also  ˈkän-ˌte-
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Spanish Spelling Bee also allows contestants to use a small, handheld whiteboard. Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025 Siriano tries to spin this as Disney films being formative for children (which these contestants once were), and through their ball gowns, capes, and dresses, inspiring in young viewers an affection for clothes (which these contestants maybe experienced?). Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025 Project Runway might've returned with a new roster of designers flexing their fashion skills on the main stage, but one contestant's emotions unspooled in front of the judges when he was placed in the bottom. EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The contestants were able to sign up online, which … who knows what that means, actually. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on contestant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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