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

Napoleon, the pig who takes despotic control of the farm following the revolution — voiced with haughty gusto by Seth Rogen — bears an uncanny resemblance to the current occupant of the White House. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025

Hicks agrees that deferred maintenance can lead to health and safety risks to a home’s occupants. —Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Staffed with knowledgeable docents, this nature preserve is open year-round and free to enter, but the best time to visit is between October and February, when its winged occupants are here in droves. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025

According to fire officials, one occupant was rescued from the burning home while another managed to escape on their own. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 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