contestant

noun

con·​tes·​tant kən-ˈte-stənt How to pronounce contestant (audio)
also ˈkän-ˌte-
Synonyms of contestantnext
1
: one that participates in a contest
2
: one that contests an award or decision

Synonyms of contestant

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Examples of contestant in a Sentence

The contestant who catches the most fish wins. The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watch contestants eat as many hot dogs as possible while enjoying giveaways, good food and drinks. — Kayla Rivera, AJC.com, 30 June 2026 The season 8 contestant lasted just four days in the villa after an old video of her using a racial slur came to light. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Last year, contestants Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar were dismissed from the show for their use of racist slurs. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 During her appearance on the reality series, Megan brought the female contestants an array of pieces from her Hot Girl Summer swimwear collection. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contestant

Word History

Etymology

contest entry 1 + -ant entry 1

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of contestant was in 1665

Rhymes for contestant

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Browse Nearby Words

contestable
contestant
contestation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contestant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contestant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

contestant

noun
con·​test·​ant
kən-ˈtes-tənt
also ˈkän-ˌtes-
: a person who takes part in a contest

Legal Definition

contestant

noun
con·​tes·​tant
: one that initiates or participates in a contest

More from Merriam-Webster on contestant

Nglish: Translation of contestant for Spanish Speakers

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