occupant

noun

oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
1
: one who acquires title by occupancy
2
: one who occupies a particular place
especially : resident

Examples of occupant in a Sentence

The apartment's previous occupant was a painter. Both of the car's occupants were injured.
Recent Examples on the Web The department said that three occupants in the Kia – Dakarai Mason, 43, Erin Mason, 35, and Brandon Crawford, 14 – were pronounced dead at the scene. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024 The occupants included included two children in the back seat. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for occupant 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'occupant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French, from present participle of occuper "to occupy"

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupant was in 1578

Dictionary Entries Near occupant

Cite this Entry

“Occupant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupant. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

occupant

noun
oc·​cu·​pant ˈäk-yə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
: a person who occupies something

Legal Definition

occupant

noun
oc·​cu·​pant ˈä-kyə-pənt How to pronounce occupant (audio)
1
: one who occupies a particular place
an occupant of the car
the occupant of the apartment
2
: one who acquires title by occupancy

More from Merriam-Webster on occupant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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