suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsü-tər 

1

: one that petitions or entreats

2

: a party to a suit at law

3

: one who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

4

: one who seeks to take over a business

Synonyms

• gallant
• swain
• wooer

Examples of suitor in a Sentence

He was her most persistent suitor, and she eventually agreed to marry him.

An unwanted suitor is buying up the company's stock.

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, even the most cantankerous player can have his suitors when his play is of a certain standard, and Acosta is among the best No. 10s in one of the few leagues that caters to the specialized role. —Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

That October performance only attracted more suitors in free agency. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025

One legend tells of men drawing names at a Roman festival to determine their suitor for the year, wearing her name on their sleeve throughout the event. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

The Padres have had talks regarding Cronenworth and were getting suitors at full price, but a trade of Cronenworth appears highly unlikely mostly because the Padres value him. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sutour, suytour, follower, petitioner, from Anglo-French siuter, suytour, from Latin secutor follower, from sequi to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsüt-ər 

1

: one that petitions or pleads

2

: a party to a suit at law

3

: a man who courts a woman or seeks to marry her

Legal Definition

suitor

noun

suit·​or ˈsü-tər 

1

: a party to a suit

2

: one that seeks to take over a business

approved the merger before the suitor obtained a 10% stake

—Wall Street Journal