entrant
Americannoun
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a person who enters
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a new member of a group, society, or association
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a person who enters a competition or contest; competitor
Other Word Forms
- nonentrant noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing entrant
"The Fast and the Fuel-Efficient" and "Teens Open Doors"
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See You in the Cosmos
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"CLEP Principles of Management," Vocabulary from Chapter 7
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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.
Another recent entrant into the satellite internet competition is Blue Origin, the rocket startup from Amazon founder and former chief executive Jeff Bezos.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Originally a maker of mechanical accounting machines and punch-card systems, IBM was an early entrant in personal computers, though it ultimately pivoted to IT consulting before the turn of the 21st century.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Originally a maker of mechanical accounting machines and punch-card systems, IBM was an early entrant in personal computers.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
The key question for any Eurovision entrant is, how do you stand out in a competition where everyone wants to stand out?
From BBC • Mar. 6, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
