1. a person who is running for political office or seeking a position
2. a person who is being considered for a job, award, or honor
3. a student taking an examination
Usage: formal; British

Examples

• She is a candidate for mayor in the upcoming election.
• The company interviewed five candidates for the marketing position.
• He seems like a good candidate for the scholarship program.
• The presidential candidate gave a speech at the rally.
• All candidates must arrive thirty minutes before the exam begins.
• They are considering her as a candidate for promotion.
• The job candidate had impressive qualifications.