rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoccupantPerson in a place or vehicle
noun

occupant

AHK-yuh-puhnt/ˈɑːkjəpənt/

A person living in or using a place or vehicle.

The apartment's occupant opens the door, revealing the lived-in room.

A resident opens the door of their occupied apartment, lived-in room visible.
Etymology
ocLatinover
+cupLatinto grasp, seize
+antLatinperforming the action

The image of seizing something became that of taking and holding possession. An occupant originally took possession of ownerless property; the modern sense focuses on living in or using a place.

In context

Site-42233:44
murphy is the only remaining occupant in the room he stands again and begins slowly walking backwards towards the emergency exit
READING ALL SCP-7000 CONTEST ENTRIES PART 2

More examples

  • The apartment's previous occupant left a forwarding address.
  • All building occupants must leave during a fire drill.
  • The driver was the truck's only occupant.

Forms

occupant · occupants

occupy verb — To live in or use a place.

occupancy noun — The state of occupying a place.

Similar words

resident
Lives in a place rather than simply being temporarily present.
tenant
Rents property rather than merely living in or using it.
passenger
Rides in a vehicle without driving it; occupants include drivers.