Meaning of contest In English

• 0 a competition to do better than other people, usually in which prizes are given:

  • a dance/sports contest

  • She's won a lot of beauty contests.

• 1 an attempt, usually against difficulties, to win an election or to get power or control:

  • The contest for the leadership of the party was very bitter.

  • The primary in Iowa is the first contest for the Republican nomination.

• 2 If you contest a formal statement, a claim, a judge's decision, or a legal case, you say formally that it is wrong or unfair and try to have it changed:

  • We will certainly contest any claims made against the safety of our products.

• 3 to compete for something:

  • The medal is being keenly contested by eight gymnasts.

• 4 to attempt to win an election or to get power or control:

  • She could win, since only two people are contesting the seat and the other candidate is very unpopular.

• 5 a competition to do better than other people, esp. to win a prize or achieve a position of leadership or power:

  • In the last election, he survived a close contest against a political newcomer.

• 6 to oppose esp. in argument:

  • The campaign’s organizers hotly contest much of the criticism that has been leveled at them.

  • The lawyers may decide to contest the fine.