can·di·date / ˈkandiˌdāt; -dit/ • n. a person who applies for a job or is nominated for election: the Republican candidate. ∎  a person taking an examination: doctoral candidates in literature. ∎  a person or thing regarded as suitable for or likely to receive a particular fate, treatment, or position: a leading candidate for the title of New York's ugliest building.DERIVATIVES: can·di·da·cy / ˈkandidəsē/ n.

candidate XVII. — (O)F. candidat or L. candidātus clothed in white, candidate for office (who appeared in a white toga), f. candidus; see prec. and -ATE 1.