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

Failure to comply with the contest rules may result in a contestant's disqualification. —Cbs La Staff, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026

Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants have said, posted or liked racist and homophobic things. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 21 Mar. 2026

Could 'The Bachelorette' contestants sue? —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026

Part of that is, ironically, due to casting controversies including unexpected, post-season revelations about contestants on both sides of the rose. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 Mar. 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