entrant

/ˈɛntrənt/

Other forms: entrants

An entrant is someone who signs up to compete or participate in something. A person who enters a country is also an entrant, like an American who crosses the border into Canada.

If there are millions of entrants in a lottery, your chances of winning aren't great — but if you're one of only five entrants in your school's raffle, you just might go home with a new bike or a trip to Cleveland. A beginner at some job or activity is also an entrant, like an entrant into the field of microbiology. This meaning is the oldest, dating from the seventeenth century.

Definitions of entrant

1. noun

   someone who enters
   “new entrants to the country must go though immigration procedures”

   types:

   interloper, intruder, trespasser

   someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission

   boarder

   someone who forces their way aboard ship

   crasher, gatecrasher, unwelcome guest

   someone who gets in (to a party) without an invitation or without paying

   infiltrator

   an intruder (as troops) with hostile intent

   encroacher, invader

   someone who enters by force in order to conquer

   penetrator

   an intruder who passes into or through (often by overcoming resistance)

   prowler, sneak, stalker

   someone who prowls or sneaks about; usually with unlawful intentions

   pusher, thruster

   one who intrudes or pushes himself forward

   squatter

   someone who settles on land without right or title

   alien, stranger, unknown

   anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

   type of:

   traveler, traveller

   a person who changes location
2. noun

   one who enters a competition
   type of:

   contestant

   a person who participates in competitions
3. noun

   a commodity that enters competition with established merchandise
   “a well publicized entrant is the pocket computer”

   type of:

   commodity, good, trade good

   articles of commerce
4. noun

   a participant with no experience with an activity
   synonyms: fledgeling, fledgling, freshman, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, starter

   types:

   enlistee, recruit

   any new member or supporter (as in the armed forces)

   type of:

   beginner, initiate, novice, tiro, tyro

   someone new to a field or activity