ˈkændəˌdeɪt 
ˈkændədət
plural candidates
1
: a person who is trying to be elected
a presidential candidate
the leading Democratic/Republican candidates
—often + fora candidate for governor
2
a
: a person who is being considered for a job, position, award, etc.
Candidates can apply in person or send a resume.
—often + forHe seemed like an unlikely candidate for the job.
Our son is a candidate for the Player of the Year award.
b
: a person who meets all the requirements for something
—often + for
She is a good candidate for laser surgery. [=she meets all the conditions to have laser surgery]
3
: a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
a Ph.D. candidate in linguistics
The program has several doctoral candidates.
4
British
: someone who is taking an exam
Three out of four candidates passed the exam.
Cite this Entry
“Candidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/candidate. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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