plural contests
1
: an event in which people try to win by doing something better than others
a fiddle/fishing/singing contest [=competition]
He won the contest for best photograph. = He won the contest to see who could take the best photograph.
Contest winners receive a cash prize.
Will you enter the contest?
2
: a struggle or effort to win or get something
She hopes to win the contest for mayor.
the presidential contest
Democrats and Republicans are engaged in a contest for control of the House of Representatives.
contests; contested; contesting
1
: to make (something) the subject of an argument or a legal case : to say that you do not agree with or accept (something)
Several of the dead man's relatives are contesting [=disputing, challenging] his will (in court).
The losing candidate is contesting the results of the election. = (US) The losing candidate is contesting the election.
The rule is being contested by a number of students at the university. [=students are formally complaining about the rule]
2
: to try to win (something)
She plans to contest a seat in Congress next year.
Both candidates have agreed to another debate before this hotly/bitterly contested election.
3
: to struggle or fight for or against something
contesting for power
Cite this Entry
“Contest.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/contest. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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