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

As the title implies, the show will unfold over a 24-hour period with no breaks for contestants, who will face physical and strategic challenges for a $1 million prize. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

The annual pumpkin regatta will take place Sunday, with contestants carving giant pumpkins into boats and paddling them across the park’s small lake. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Caleb Flynn, the former American Idol contestant accused of fatally shooting his wife, has been found guilty of murder. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

An Ohio jury has returned multiple guilty verdicts against former American Idol contestant Caleb Flynn in the February murder of his wife Ashley Flynn. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Sep. 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