occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who acquires title by occupancy

2

: one who occupies a particular place

especially : resident

Synonyms of occupant

• inhabitant
• resident
• tenant
• resider

Examples of occupant in a Sentence

The apartment's previous occupant was a painter.

Both of the car's occupants were injured.

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with valid photo identification, occupants must also provide a statement from a licensed physician stating that a permanent disability severely limits aspects of their daily lives. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 28 Mar. 2026

Some coffins had multiple occupants, while others contained only a head or nothing at all. —Sandra Dallas, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026

As a result of the crash, two female occupants of the Tesla were taken to an area hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, officials said. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

The occupants were removed by rangers with the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, who placed them in temporary housing on Thursday. —City News Service, Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, from present participle of occuper "to occupy"

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈäk-yə-pənt 

: a person who occupies something

especially : resident entry 2 sense 1

Legal Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who occupies a particular place

an occupant of the car

the occupant of the apartment

2

: one who acquires title by occupancy