A contestant is someone who competes in a contest, competition, or game show. When you enter the science fair, you become a contestant alongside everyone else presenting their projects. When someone appears on a television quiz show answering questions for prizes, they're a contestant. When runners sign up for a race, each one is a contestant in that event.

Contestants might compete for a prize, a title, recognition, or simply the satisfaction of doing their best. In a spelling bee, each contestant takes turns spelling increasingly difficult words until only one remains. On shows like Jeopardy!, contestants ring in to answer trivia questions and earn money.

Being a contestant means you're actively participating by stepping forward to test your skills, knowledge, or abilities against others. You've committed to the competition and will give your best effort. Some contestants win, others lose, but all of them share the experience of competing. The word reminds us that competition involves real people with hopes and nerves, each one a unique individual facing a challenge. When you hear “our next contestant,” you know someone is about to take their turn in the spotlight and give their best effort.