Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who is put forward as a contender for a position, office, or honor.
The committee has chosen three candidates for the scholarship.
A person who is being considered for a job or position.
She is a strong candidate for the marketing director position.
A person who appears in a competition or examination.
All candidates must arrive at the exam center by 9 AM.
A person who is suitable for a particular purpose or role.
He doesn't seem to be a candidate for that kind of responsibility.
Etymology
From Latin 'candidatus', meaning 'clothed in white', referring to candidates in Rome who wore white togas.
Common Phrases and Expressions
presidential candidate:
A person running for the presidency.
job candidate:
A person applying for a job.
official candidate:
A person formally declared for election.
Slang Meanings
Job seeker
He's just another candidate looking for a job.
Contender
She's a top candidate for the title.