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

Channel 4 has canceled Married at First Sight UK after two contestants claimed they had been raped during the filming of the show. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026

Originally cast in 2023 as a contestant for the K-pop reality show that formed Katseye, she was booted out early partly because—despite becoming a fan favorite in Netflix’s subsequent docuseries—the judges sensed she was destined for solo stardom. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

Host Carson Daly warned viewers at the beginning of the episode that more than half of the remaining contestants would be sent home. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026

Of course, Connor has to call in his buddy Milo Manheim, a former DWTS contestant and the Flynn Rider in the upcoming live-action film. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Nov. 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