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

In November, California voters will elect a new governor, fill other statewide offices and choose occupants of 152 legislative and congressional seats. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Before the shooting broke out, the victim and other occupants of the residence were playing cards, according to the Winter Garden Police Department. — Rylan Digiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Authorities also arrested four other occupants of the vehicle on suspicion of cargo theft, conspiracy and possessing burglary tools. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

All of the boat occupants were ejected, with seven people sustaining injuries, including the two adults, George and Cecilia Pino. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 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