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Synonyms

entrant

American  
[en-truhnt] / ˈɛn trənt /

noun

  1. a competitor in a contest.

  2. a new member, as of an association or school.

  3. a person who enters.


entrant British  
/ ˈɛntrənt /

noun

  1. a person who enters

  2. a new member of a group, society, or association

  3. a person who enters a competition or contest; competitor

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of entrant

1625–35; < French, noun use of entrant, present participle of entrer to enter

Explanation

An entrant is someone who signs up to compete or participate in something. A person who enters a country is also an entrant, like an American who crosses the border into Canada. If there are millions of entrants in a lottery, your chances of winning aren't great — but if you're one of only five entrants in your school's raffle, you just might go home with a new bike or a trip to Cleveland. A beginner at some job or activity is also an entrant, like an entrant into the field of microbiology. This meaning is the oldest, dating from the seventeenth century.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing entrant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Alaska is a new West Coast entrant in the trans-Atlantic market, and the flight turned out to be a fantastic value with one major caveat: no Wi-Fi.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 21, 2026

Next year's contest will be held in Bulgaria, after their entrant Dara won the 2026 edition with her club anthem Bangaranga.

From BBC Aug. 12, 2026

This year’s entrant is “One Night Only,” written by Travis Braun, directed by Will Gluck and set in a pretty familiar if spit-shiny New York City.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 6, 2026

In reality, it is just the latest entrant in a steadily expanding market.

From Barron's Jun. 29, 2026

All fish must be caught on hook and line; one rod per entrant, which must be affixed to the pier or held by the entrant at all times.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

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