What does requestor mean?
A requestor is a person or organization that asks for something, such as information, permission, approval, or the performance of an action. The word is especially common in formal, legal, and technical contexts, including contracts, privacy notices, application forms, and records-management systems. In general conversation, “requester” is often more usual, but “requestor” remains standard English and can be useful when the document needs to distinguish the person making the request from another party, such as the person handling or approving it. For example, a policy might state that a requestor must provide identification before personal records are disclosed. The noun is formed from “request” and the suffix “-or,” which identifies the performer of an action. Its meaning is straightforward, but the choice between “requestor” and “requester” often reflects register: “requestor” can sound more precise, formal, or procedural.
nounA person or organization that makes a request, especially someone who formally asks for information, action, or approval.
- A person or organization that makes a request.
"The requestor must provide proof of identity before the records can be released."
"The requestor submitted the application through the organization's secure portal."
"The contract requires the requestor to give written notice if the information changes."
The standard plural is “requestors,” although “requesters” is more common in general usage.
"All requestors must include a valid reference number with their submissions."
In legal notices and technical forms, “requestor” is more than a spelling variant: it clearly identifies the person responsible for making the request.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does requestor come from?
Requestor was formed in English from “request” plus the suffix “-or,” which identifies the performer of an action. “Request” comes through Anglo-French and Medieval Latin from Latin requirere, “to seek” or “to ask for,” ultimately connected with quaerere, “to seek.” Related English words include require, requisite, requisition, and quest.
Related word forms
How requestor is actually used
Requestor is less common than requester in ordinary conversation. It is often used in formal documents, legal notices, technical forms, and administrative records, where it labels the person or entity responsible for making a request.
Easily confused with requestor
A requestor and a requester both mean someone who makes a request; requestor is especially common in formal, legal, and technical contexts, while requester is more typical in general use.