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

Workers were ordered to evacuate, along with occupants in nine surrounding buildings, including a private school, a Westin hotel, and the Israeli consulate. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 July 2026

All three occupants in the Lamborghini were hit and taken to Memorial Regional Hospital. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

Like what has come from the current White House occupant often enough. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

The two other occupants, whose identities have not been released, were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 7 July 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