English Reference
noun

contestant

n.
US /kənˈtɛstənt/ UK /kəntˈɛstənt/ con·tes·tant UK spelling contestants

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    someone who takes part in a competition, especially on a television game show.

    a participant in a contest or competition, particularly one involving a game of skill or knowledge for a prize.

    Simple

    The contestant won a new car after answering the final question correctly.

    In context

    Each contestant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement before the filming of the reality show's finale began.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    a person who officially disagrees with a legal decision or a will in court.

    one who brings a formal legal challenge against a verdict, decision, or the validity of a will.

    Simple

    The contestant argued in court that the will was not signed properly.

    In context

    As the primary contestant of the election results, he filed a petition citing several procedural irregularities at the polling stations.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is much less common than the competition sense; learners will mostly encounter it in legal or political news.

    challengerlitigant

From French contestant, present participle of contester.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated