suitor

[soo-ter]

noun

1. a man who courts or woos a woman.

2. Law.,  a petitioner or plaintiff.

3. a person who sues or petitions for anything.

4. Informal.,  an individual who seeks to buy a business.

suitor

/ ˈsuːtə, ˈsjuːt- /

noun

1. a man who courts a woman; wooer

2. law a person who brings a suit in a court of law; plaintiff

3. rare,  a person who makes a request or appeal for anything

Word History and Origins

Origin of suitor¹

1250–1300; Middle English s ( e ) utor, suitour < Anglo-French < Latin secūtor, equivalent to secū-, variant stem of sequī to follow + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of suitor¹

C13: from Anglo-Norman suter, from Latin secūtor follower, from sequī to follow

Example Sentences

He particularly enjoyed a morality tale about two sisters – one beautiful but "vain and severe", who lost a suitor to her plain, but more agreeable, sibling.

From BBC

When the Clippers landed Leonard in 2019, the NBA was stunned: In a matter of hours, the Clippers had traded for Paul George and signed Leonard, outmaneuvering the Lakers and other suitors.

From Los Angeles Times

But Major League Baseball was bound to have other suitors open their safes.

From Los Angeles Times

"Travis is someone who loves her proudly and doesn't seem intimidated by her success which other suitors might have been," she said.

From BBC

Guehi's commanding defensive displays have caught the eye of many suitors, with Premier League champions Liverpool keen to sign the England international this summer.

From BBC

Related Words

• admirer 
• beau 
• boyfriend 
• lover 
• paramour