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

• challenger
• competition
• competitor
• contender
• corrival
• 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

In the third round, each contestant was required to do a dunk with a teammate. —Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025

A number of her fellow Bachelor Nation alums chimed in to provide support, including Kaitlyn Bristowe, Becca Kufrin, JoJo Fletcher, Clare Crawley and Jenn Tran, as well as fellow Season 17 Bachelorette contestants Justin Glaze and Andrew Spencer. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025

Watch the exclusive preview below, and then read on to meet the contestants. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2025

Since the stake was introduced in 2008, just four contestants have managed to win it, although 13 have had a shot. —Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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