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

• 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

All six occupants of the Hyundai, who were possibly three adults and three children, were pronounced dead on-scene, FHP said. —Elainie Barraza, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025

Once inside there’s more than enough space to comfortably fit four with a dedicated bin for small luggage up front within eyesight of all occupants. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 June 2025

No injuries were reported by either the passengers or building occupants. —Safiya Mohamed, Twin Cities, 19 June 2025

Four occupants of the car, including two children, were hospitalized with what police said were not life-threatening injuries. —Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 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