1. people who are running for political office or seeking election
2. people who are being considered for a job, position, or opportunity
3. people who are taking an examination or test

Examples

• The presidential candidates debated on television last night.
• We interviewed five candidates for the marketing position.
• All candidates must arrive thirty minutes before the exam begins.
• The scholarship candidates submitted their essays by the deadline.
• Three candidates are running for mayor in the upcoming election.
• The hiring committee will review the candidates’ resumes tomorrow.
• Candidates for the driver’s license test should study the manual carefully.