occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who acquires title by occupancy

2

: one who occupies a particular place

especially : resident

Synonyms

• denizen
• dweller
• habitant
• inhabitant
• inhabiter
• resident
• resider
• tenant

Examples of occupant in a Sentence

The apartment's previous occupant was a painter.

Both of the car's occupants were injured.

Recent Examples on the Web

The fire was quickly extinguished and two occupants were found inside the home at the time. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025

Better protection for second-row occupants is a requirement for both the 2025 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards, the safety group said. —Tanya Mohn, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

According to fire officials, the house was unoccupied at the time and all occupants were accounted for. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 Mar. 2025

The triangular end sections of the floor plan, between the floor edges and occupants' heads and feet, are meant for storing gear, and four interior pockets provide space for smaller belongings. —New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, from present participle of occuper "to occupy"

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈäk-yə-pənt 

: a person who occupies something

especially : resident entry 2 sense 1

Legal Definition

occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt 

1

: one who occupies a particular place

an occupant of the car

the occupant of the apartment

2

: one who acquires title by occupancy