contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt 

 also  ˈkän-ˌte-

1

: one that participates in a contest

2

: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms

• competitor
• contender
• challenger
• rival

Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins.

The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.

Recent Examples on the Web

The remaining contestants were moved to an Airbnb then sent home after the incident, and the organizers were weighing how to move forward, Chartier said. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Known on the show for her bold Malaysian flavors, the baker regularly posts baking tips and recipes with her audience, and has even spent some time with fellow contestants. —Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Hosted by Drew Carey and announcer George Gray, contestants will continue to compete in another season for cash, cars, vacations and other prizes. —Giana Levy, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025

Dust to Dreams sees Millicent, the owner of the legendary, yet dying Lagos nightclub, played by Nse Ikpe-Etim, entrust her legacy to her shy daughter, Bisi, played by Constance Olalunde, a former Nigerian Idol contestant. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for contestant

• decongestant

Kids Definition

contestant

noun

con·​test·​ant

kən-ˈtes-tənt,

 also  ˈkän-ˌtes-

: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant

: one that initiates or participates in a contest