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

Energy-absorbing seats are designed to manage forces transmitted to occupants during an impact, potentially reducing injury risks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle onto the road, according to the crash log. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026

All of the occupants were killed except for teenager Matías Bagnato. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026

Moments after driving away, the occupants realized Valdes had been struck in the abdomen by a stray bullet. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 16 Oct. 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