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

The occupants were able to leave the home before first responders arrived. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 4 Jan. 2026

San Francisco Fire said crews quickly rescued the occupants, and they were checked for injuries. —Jose Fabian, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026

The identity of the occupants is pending an autopsy, according to Moncayo. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2026

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, and the occupants failed to comply, made a u-turn and fled the location, the statement said. —Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 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