contest

SayKON-test/ˈkɑn.tɛst/UK/ˈkɒn.tɛst/

As a verbkuhn-TEST

5 meanings of contest

1
prize eventnouncountable
An event where people try to win by being the best.
Like a race where everyone tries to come first.
The whole school entered the spelling contest.
She won first place in a baking contest.
UsageYou enter a contest, and then you win or lose it.
Similarcompetition
2
compete forverbtransitive
To try to win or keep something, like a prize or a place in an election, against others.
Like two players each trying hard to beat the other in a game.
Five runners will contest the final for the gold medal.
Two parties contested every seat in the local election.
UsageUsually followed straight by what people want to win: contest a seat, contest a title.
Note
3
object toverbtransitive
To argue that something is wrong or should not be accepted, sometimes by challenging it in a court of law.
Like telling someone, 'No, that's not right,' and asking for it to be checked.
The team decided to contest the referee's decision.
He contested the bill because the charges looked wrong.
UsageYou often see contested before a noun, as in a contested election.
Note
4
fight to winnouncountable
A hard struggle between two sides trying to beat each other.
Like a tug-of-war where each side pulls hard to win.
The two brothers were in a long contest for control of the family farm.
The two parties are in a close contest for power.
Similarfight, battle, combat
5
noununcountable
An argument or disagreement about something.
Like a big argument where people just cannot agree.
Their father's will led to a bitter contest between the two sisters.
His right to the title was beyond contest.
UsageMostly in phrases like beyond contest, meaning no one can argue with it.
Similardebate, controversy, discussion
Oppositeconsensus, agreement

Practice

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Origin

It comes from French contester, which goes back to the Latin word contestor, meaning "to call to witness."

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

English contest comes from French contester. en.wiktionary.org
French contester goes back to Latin contestor. en.wiktionary.org
Latin contestor means “to call to witness.” en.wiktionary.org