contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
 also  ˈkän-ˌte-
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

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
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 film follows three women—Jennifer (Braxton), Vanessa (Summer), and Evelyn (Atkins)—who meet as contestants on a reality dating show and suffer heartbreak under the spotlight. Denise Petski, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 This week on Dancing With the Stars season 34, the remaining 12 celebrity contestants will perform routines inspired by viral TikTok hits. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 Beauty pageant contestants were seen in another video running off the stage as the earthquake started. Brandon Miller, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025 Only time will tell, but check out these predictions from the contestants, including one player boldly calling out exactly when he will get voted out. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on contestant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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