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

Another occupant was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Nov. 2025

Its purpose is to preserve the institution, not its occupants. —Rob Shuter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025

The woman, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. —Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 13 Nov. 2025

About 10 minutes later, some occupants in cabins began to evacuate to a big recreation hall close by, with Edward and Richard transporting some girls in their vehicles, according to the complaint reviewed by the Times. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 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