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

Not knowing the answer, the contestants used their lifeline to ask host Jimmy Kimmel. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026

Molly Mae Hague was a contestant on Love Island UK in 2019, signing some of the most lucrative deals in the TV show’s history across the fashion and beauty industry. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 July 2026

On July 21, the Miss Universe Tegucigalpa organization posted a statement on Instagram, confirming the pageant contestant’s death. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Danielle Colquitt, another contestant, was no different in this regard. — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 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