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 2026 contestants' Instagram and TikTok profiles are frozen in time, showcasing their final adventures and accomplishments (like Kenzie Annis graduating from nursing school) before they were sequestered in May, prior to their debuts in the Fijian villa. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Jeremiah Brown, a contestant on season 7 of the show, which aired last summer, will be at the screening. —Zuri Primos june 8, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

United by a Love of Food and Cooking While keeping track of 100 contestants may seem like a lot, there will be plenty for the viewers at home to root for and relate to. —Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026

Higgins was among the first contestants announced for Dancing with the Stars' 35th season alongside Summer House star Ciara Miller. —Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 5 June 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