challenger

American  

[chal-in-jer] / ˈtʃæl ɪn dʒər /

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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonchallenger
  noun

Etymology

Origin of challenger

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

Explanation

Challengers don’t let things stay the way they are, they go against something already in place, like a rule or the score on the scoreboard. Or they go after the same thing you may want, like victory in a competition or even the parking spot you were waiting for. In earlier history, during the Middle Ages, a challenger was mostly a dreaded foe or someone who wanted to fight to the death with a sword. Some challengers want to challenge the truth or rightness of something, and that can be pretty serious too. In modern times, though, the word challenger often describes competitors who want to challenge each other in sports, on TV game shows, or in arguments. These challengers enjoy the challenge itself.

Example Sentences

The outstanding question now in each race is which challenger will face them in November.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2026

He is facing Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke, who narrowly lost to him in the 2024 race.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Any challenger wanting to trigger a leadership contest must be an MP and have the backing of 81 Labour MPs.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Meng has not faced a primary challenger since 2020 and has faced few well-organized opponents since her initial election to the House in 2012.

From Salon • Jun. 4, 2026

He was already facing a challenger from outside and would not tolerate the presence of another lone male.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker

Related Words

• contender