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

But his quick temper gets him fast-tracked upstairs to undergo rigorous physical and mental aptitude tests used to decide which show is the best fit for each potential contestant. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

After months of practice, the contestants took part Saturday in an opening dance number, followed by competitions in casual wear, historical facts, evening gown and on-stage questions. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025

Average citizens are co-opted into reporting any sightings of contestants to a hotline. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

At 6 feet, 5 inches, Shumpert and partner Daniella Karagach, who is 5 feet, 7 inches, had the biggest height difference of all the contestants on season 30. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

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