# contestant

/kənˈtɛstənt/ (US) · /kəntˈɛstənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contestant
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. competition participant

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The contestant won a new car after answering the final question correctly.
- Each contestant was required to sign a non-disclosure agreement before the filming of the reality show's finale began.

### 2. legal challenger

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

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

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

- The contestant argued in court that the will was not signed properly.
- As the primary contestant of the election results, he filed a petition citing several procedural irregularities at the polling stations.

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

## Examples

- She was the final contestant in the singing contest.
- The host introduced each contestant before they began their performance on stage.
- Every contestant must adhere to the strict rules regarding costume and timing to avoid disqualification.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.