candidate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a politician who is running for public office
    nominee; campaigner.
  2. noun someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)
    prospect.

WordNet

Can"di*date noun
Etymology
L. Candidatus, n. (because candidates for office in Rome were clothed in a white toga.) fr. candidatus clothed in white, fr. candiduslittering, white: cf. F. candidat.
Definitions
  1. One who offers himself, or is put forward by others, as a suitable person or an aspirant or contestant for an office, privilege, or honor; as, a candidate for the office of governor; a candidate for holy orders; a candidate for scholastic honors.

Webster 1913