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

Both occupants of the car were ejected, according to officials. — CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

On Wednesday, an Orange County Register reporter walked up to the passenger window of one vehicle, waved and displayed her press pass in an attempt to get the occupants’ attention. — Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026

At least two cars were swept away by floodwater, but their occupants were rescued uninjured, Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas told CNN. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

That futon-like design works in conjunction with a stowaway table to support occupants in more ergonomic in-tent dining and laptop work. — New Atlas, 4 Nov. 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