contestant
/kənˈtɛst(ə)nt
/noun
A person who takes part in a contest or competition: an anxious contestant on a television quiz show...
- The applicants were then interviewed and tested for suitability and contestants selected.
- She was the only contestant from initial 10 applicants to arrive for the contest.
- The ten heats over the next few weeks will play the part of selecting the contestants for the finals.
Synonyms
competitor, participant, player, contender, candidate, aspirant, entrant;
rival, opponent, adversary, antagonist
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French, present participle of contester, from Latin contestari 'call upon to witness' (see contest).