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

Before child died in custody, CBP tried to replace medical contractor More than 2 million migrants were taken into Border Patrol custody during the 2023 fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, a historically high number for the second consecutive year. —Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2023

The October numbers look more favorable when they are compared to April, when the city forced Falck to add a second ambulance contractor — American Medical Response — to boost hours of service. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Nov. 2023

This kit comes with a power drill, charger, batteries, and a contractor bag. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 14 Nov. 2023

After years of secrecy, the Air Force’s B-21 Raider took its first flight Friday in Palmdale, giving plane enthusiasts, contractor employees and the public its first glimpse of the futuristic-looking bomber in air. —Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2023

The police did consult a security contractor, who reviewed surveillance video of the shoplifting incident and then chose Williams from a photo lineup of six people. —Eyal Press, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023

Only defense-industry shareholders and military contractors near silos in North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. —The Editors, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2023

At least one biotech contractor is doing OK The prolonged downturn for the biotech industry has brought financial havoc upon the many companies that sell the picks and shovels needed to cash in on a pharmaceutical gold rush. —Damian Garde, STAT, 9 Nov. 2023

At the time, the company was the prime contractor for NASA’s space shuttle program. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Nov. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing contractor

• independent 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