contractor

noun

con·​trac·​tor

sense 1 is usually

ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər 

sense 2 is usually

kən-ˈtrak- 

1

: one that contracts or is party to a contract: such as

a

: one that contracts to perform work or provide supplies

b

: one that contracts to erect buildings

2

: something (such as a muscle) that contracts or shortens

Examples of contractor in a Sentence

They hired a contractor to remodel the kitchen.

Recent Examples on the Web

One week later, Supernatural star Ackles arrived as Colter’s older brother Russell, an ex-military man currently working as a civilian contractor for a shady organization. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 13 July 2024

In certain instances, the credentials had been taken on PCs used by contractors for Snowflake customers — devices that were also used for personal activities, including downloading pirated software. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 12 July 2024

All of this comes as a new round of contractor bids is set to expire in September. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2024

The agency confirmed this week that the network remained inaccessible for many contractors, who handle the bulk of services provided to at-risk and troubled minors, but was up-and-running for agency employees. —Dara Kam, Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contractor

• independent contractor

Kids Definition

contractor

noun

con·​trac·​tor ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər  kən-ˈtrak- 

: one that enters into a contract

especially : a person who contracts to perform work or provide supplies at a certain price or within a certain time

building contractor

Medical Definition

contractor

noun

con·​trac·​tor ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər  kən-ˈ 

: something (as a muscle) that contracts or shortens

Legal Definition

contractor

noun

con·​trac·​tor ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər, kən-ˈtrak- 

: one that contracts: as

a

: one that contracts to perform work or provide supplies

b

: one that contracts to erect buildings