applicant

noun

ap·​pli·​cant ˈa-pli-kənt How to pronounce applicant (audio)
: one who applies
a job applicant

Examples of applicant in a Sentence

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job. have numerous applicants for the job
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The competitive mindset starts before students even get in; fewer than a quarter of applicants do. Max Kutner, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2024 Brown accepted 18% of its early decision applicants, or 906 of its 5,048 applicants to the Class of 2029. Anna Esaki-Smith, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Now, teacher applications are up 360% since 2023, the majority of applicants being veteran teachers, Herl said. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024 The council selected five out of 12 applicants to advance to the next step in the selection process. Brooke Conrad, Baltimore Sun, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for applicant 

Word History

Etymology

applicate "to apply, put to use" (borrowed from Latin applicātus, past participle of applicāre "to bring into contact [with], situate near, bring to bear [on]") + -ant entry 1 — more at apply

First Known Use

circa 1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of applicant was circa 1742

Dictionary Entries Near applicant

Cite this Entry

“Applicant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applicant. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

applicant

noun
ap·​pli·​cant ˈap-li-kənt How to pronounce applicant (audio)
: one who applies for something
an applicant for work

More from Merriam-Webster on applicant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!