challenger

[chal-in-jer]

noun

1. a person or thing that challenges.

2. Boxing.,  a boxer who fights a champion for his championship title.

3. Radio.,  interrogator.

4. U.S. Aerospace.,  none Challenger the second space shuttle to orbit and return to earth: exploded 1½ min. after launch on Jan. 28, 1986, causing the death of all seven on board.

Other Word Forms

• nonchallenger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenger¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; challenge, -er ¹

Example Sentences

And some analysts say it may be the country's best chance to build a domestic ecosystem to supply advanced chips to its many manufacturers, and one day become a formidable challenger in the global market.

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But in a Test world in which South Africa stand alone at the summit, England have a strong claim to being the Springboks' closest challengers.

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The other Egyptian challengers, defending champions Pyramids, were equally convincing winners, beating Rivers United of Nigeria 3-0 at another Cairo venue.

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Chelsea have to be considered title challengers now they are sitting in second spot.

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Some brief success from the challenger only seemed to spring Benavidez into action in the sixth.

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Related Words

• contender