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

• denizen
• dweller
• habitant
• inhabitant
• inhabiter
• resident
• resider
• tenant

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

And if one single layer of darkened wall still seems insufficient separation from the utilitarian human in front, the much more important rear occupants can also deploy the 65-inch flexible cinema display stored away below the floor. —New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025

The story centers on Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), the owner and sole occupant of Double K Ranch, who is mourning the loss of his wife. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Another male occupant of the vehicle is still being sought, as is the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision, which also turned out to have been stolen, authorities said. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2025

At multiple points during liftoff and landing, the occupants of the capsule could be heard screaming. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2025

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