What does "competitor" mean?

1. (business or market rival) a company or person that sells the same products or services as you and tries to win the same customers. 2. (sports or contest participant) someone who takes part in a race, a game, or a competition.

competitor

US //kəmˈpɛtətɝ// UK //kəmpˈɛtɪtɐ// com·peti·tor

1 business or market rival (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a company or person that sells the same products or services as you and tries to win the same customers.

a commercial entity or individual offering similar products or services within the same market, competing for market share.

Example

The company lowered its prices to stay ahead of its main competitor.

Example

The tech giant acquired several smaller competitors to consolidate its dominance in the emerging cloud computing market.
- partner
- ally
2 sports or contest participant (n.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

someone who takes part in a race, a game, or a competition.

an individual or team participating in a structured contest, particularly in an athletic or professional context.

Example

Over two hundred competitors entered the marathon this year.

Example

Each competitor underwent rigorous drug testing before being cleared to participate in the final round of the championship.
- spectator
- audience

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French compétiteur, from Latin competitor.