challenger

[ chal-in-jer ]

noun

1. a person or thing that challenges.
2. Boxing. a boxer who fights a champion for his championship title.
3. Radio. interrogator ( def 2 ).
4. none Challenger. U.S. Aerospace. the second space shuttle to orbit and return to earth: exploded 1½ min. after launch on Jan. 28, 1986, causing the death of all seven on board.

Other Words From

• non·chal·leng·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenger¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; challenge, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Various challenger apps to Facebook have tried this model, but failed to scale – so far.

From Time

The Wyoming Republican Party condemned her vote, more than 120 of her colleagues support a challenge to her leadership role, and she’s starting to attract challengers ahead of a 2022 primary.

From Washington Post

Albeit at a lower valuation, the challenger bank also raised £125 million from new and existing investors during the pandemic.

From TechCrunch

The question will now be whether users decide to stick with BBVA or turn to exploring another challenger.

From TechCrunch

More recent customers include fast-growing fintech firms like DoorDash, the meal-delivery service, and Brex, the corporate card challenger.

From Fortune

It was not until after the Challenger accident that the folly of this approach was realized.

From The Daily Beast

It could have had a burn-through like Challenger Shuttle, but I would have thought that would take longer.

From The Daily Beast

Incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan is steadily but narrowly leading GOP challenger Thom Tillis.

From The Daily Beast

The president wants to stay; the challenger wants to go back to his hotel.

From The Daily Beast

He is technically running against incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan.

From The Daily Beast

Anneslie, the knight, was the complainant and the challenger.

From Project Gutenberg

The challenger pronounced his vow with a firm and manly voice, and a bold and cheerful countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

To this altar the challenger and defender were successively brought forward, conducted by their respective sponsors.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the great Challenger expedition had scarcely touched upon it; and so our Expedition had a splendid field for investigation.

From Project Gutenberg

The challenger saw his adversary coming, and he hurried forward without a pause.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contender