candidate: Meaning and Definition of

can•di•date

Pronunciation: (n.kan'di-dāt", -ditv.kan'di-dāt"), [key]
— n., v., -dat•ed, -dat•ing.
—n.
  1. a person who seeks an office, honor, etc.: a candidate for governor.
  2. a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.
  3. a person who is deserving of or seems destined for a certain end or fate: Such a reckless spender is a candidate for the poorhouse.
  4. a student studying for a degree: Candidates for the B.A. will have to meet certain minimum requirements.
—v.i.
  1. to become a candidate for service as a new minister of a church; preach before a congregation that is seeking a new minister.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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