‘Requester' or 'Requestor': Which is Correct?

By Amy Gilmore, updated on November 16, 2023

Do you need to know whether 'requester' or 'requestor' is correct? This post will help!

Here is the short answer:

  • 'Requester' is the correct English term for a person who requests something.
  • 'Requestor' is a misspelling of the term 'requester.'

While the answer above will help you determine the correct spelling to use, there is more to learn. So, keep reading!

Which is Correct, 'Requester' or 'Requestor?'

When it comes to which is correct between 'requester' and 'requestor,' it honestly depends on where you live or what audience you are addressing.

In the United States, 'requester' is always the correct spelling. However, some British English-speaking people may use the second spelling.

So, if you see the latter spelling, it may not be a spelling error.

Some other terms that differ between United States English and British English, include:

Definition of 'Requester': What Does 'Requester' Mean?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 'requester' is a noun that means:

  • Someone who requests something
  • Someone who asks something of another person
  • Someone who makes an official inquiry

Definition of 'Requestor': What Does 'Requestor' Mean?

The same dictionary does not recognize 'requestor' as an English term. However, there are other dictionaries that list 'requestor' as an alternate spelling of 'requester.'

For example, the Cambridge Dictionary lists 'requestor' as an alternative spelling of 'requester' and defines the term as:

  • Someone who asks to see or receive something
  • Someone who requests an official document or record

Synonyms of 'Requester' or 'Requestor'

Synonyms are words that you can use instead of other terms. Here are some synonyms you can use for 'requester' and 'requestor':

  • Asker
  • Petitioner
  • Suer
  • Beggar
  • Pleader
  • Solicitor
  • Suitor
  • Suppliant
  • Panhandler
  • Moocher

Pronunciation of 'Requester' and 'Requestor'

Pronunciation is an essential part of learning a new language, but it is also important for native English speakers. When you pronounce a term incorrectly, people are unsure what you mean.

So, check out this pronunciation guide to learn the correct way to say these two words.

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'requester':

ri-kwest-or

  • Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'requestor':

ri-kwest-or

As you can see, no matter which spelling you use, the pronunciation is the same.

When and How to Use 'Requester' and 'Requestor'

You learned that 'requester' is the correct way to spell the English term for a person who requests something and that 'requestor' is an alternative spelling of the word. So, let's look at how and when to use each of these terms.

  • Use 'requester' when you are addressing an audience in the U.S.

For example, you could say:

Do you know what the requester is looking for? 

  • Use 'requester' for someone who is making a request to see or receive something.

As an example, you could say:

The requester is asking for a complete list of products we manufacture with the ingredients used in each product. 

  • Use 'requestor' only if you are addressing an audience in a British-English-speaking nation.

For example, you might say:

The requestor asked for a list of all of the colours we manufacture at our Canadian manufacturing plant. 

  • Use 'requestor' for someone who requests information or makes an official inquiry.

As an example, you might say:

Will you contact the requestor and ask them if they are looking for a black or grey vehicle? 

Sample Sentences Using 'Requester' or 'Requestor'

Now, here are some sample sentences using these terms. Read them to ensure you know and remember how to use each term correctly.

Requester

  • If you are unsure what they are asking for, contact the requester for clarification on the matter.
  • Can you help me get this information together? I want to send it to the requester today.
  • We need to contact all of the requesters to ask them to take a customer satisfaction survey.
  • I need more information, but the requester was so rude when I spoke to him last that I was scared to call him back to ask for clarification. Would you mind contacting him for me?
  • Requesters need to fill out a form and submit it to the application at the bottom.
  • If you need more information regarding the inquiry, please contact the requester.
  • You should only submit the form if you are the requester.

Requestor

  • If the requestor is rude, put them at the end of the queue.
  • The requestor asked for their favourite colours to be incorporated into the colour scheme.
  • If you are the requestor, you need to add your personal information to the form. If you are helping the requestor complete the form, you need to fill in the applicant's information.
  • Please fulfil the order for the requestor as soon as possible. They need the order before next Friday.
  • Requestors should send an email with the details of their inquiry to the email address provided.
  • The requestor asked that we make the event extra special because he wants to honour the guest for her birthday.
  • If you are not the original requestor please contact customer service for assistance.

Final Review of Which is Correct Between 'Requester' or 'Requestor'

Wow, we covered a lot of information in this post. So, let's review what you learned about which is correct between 'requester' and 'requestor': 

  • 'Requester' is the correct spelling of the English noun, meaning a person who requests information or makes an official inquiry. 
  • 'Requestor' is an alternate British English spelling of the term 'requester.'

Even after learning which of these terms is correct, it can be challenging to remember which spelling to use. However, if you are unsure which spelling to use in the future, you can always come back to this page for a quick review of this lesson.

You can also verify the meanings, spellings, and pronunciations of hundreds of other English terms in the confusing words section here.

Each guide gives a brief overview and detailed explanation of the terms it covers. So, they are an excellent way to expand your vocabulary while learning essential grammar rules.

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Written By:
Amy Gilmore
Amy Gilmore is one of the lead freelance writers for WritingTips.org. She has been a professional writer and editor for the past eight years. She developed a love of language arts and literature in school and decided to become a professional freelance writer after a demanding career in real estate. Amy is constantly learning to become a better writer and loves sharing tips with other writers who want to do the same.

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