/ ˈkændɪdət; NAmE ; -deɪt/ noun
1.
candidate (for sth) a person who is trying to be elected or is applying for a job :
one of the leading candidates for the presidency
a presidential candidate
( BrE )
He stood as a candidate in the local elections.
There were a large number of candidates for the job.
2.
( BrE ) a person taking an exam :
a candidate for the degree of MPhil
3.
candidate (for sth) a person or group that is considered suitable for sth or that is likely to get sth or to be sth :
Our team is a prime candidate for relegation this year.
Your father is an obvious candidate for a heart attack.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin candidatus white-robed, also denoting a candidate for office (who traditionally wore a white toga), from candidus white.