'contestant' originates from the Latin word 'contestari,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'testari' meant 'to call to witness.'

'contestari' transformed into the Old French word 'contester,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contestant' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to call to witness,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who takes part in a competition.'