contestant

[kuhn-tes-tuhnt]

noun

1. a person who takes part in a contest or competition.

2. a person who contests the results of an election.

3. Law.,  the party who, in proceedings in the probate court, contests the validity of a will.

contestant

/ kənˈtɛstənt /

noun

1. a person who takes part in a contest; competitor

Other Word Forms

• uncontestant noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contestant¹

From French, dating back to 1655–65; contest, -ant

Example Sentences

Strictly Come Dancing contestant La Voix has been forced to leave the competition after sustaining an injury.

Read more on BBC

Not that the contestants of the current series knew - this was news to them.

Read more on BBC

Along the way, Rapf held a fan contest to pick the new star a new name; after three contestants chose “Joan Arden,” the studio picked “Crawford” to avoid paying three separate cash prizes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Organisers will also ban contestants and broadcasters from taking part in promotional campaigns by third parties including governments.

Read more on BBC

In the days leading up to the glittering coronation in Bangkok, contestants alleging mistreatment walked out and two judges resigned with one claiming the contest is rigged.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• aspirant 
• candidate 
• challenger 
• contender 
• entrant 
• participant