day job

noun

: one's regular employment as contrasted with an occasional, secondary, or coveted job

Examples of day job in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Councilwoman Crystal Murillo, who in her day job serves as executive director of the social justice advocacy group Colorado People’s Alliance, thinks higher compensation would broaden the pool of hopefuls who might seek office. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 14 July 2025 David Cornwell had quietly been publishing novels as John le Carré while working in his official day job as a diplomat and his unofficial job as an agent for MI5 and MI6. Kirsty McHugh, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025 According to Manning, the conflict of interest between his day job and ownership would be too significant. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 Gray returns to his day job July 14 at Auckland Grammar School where a hero’s welcome awaits him. Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for day job

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of day job was in 1971

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Cite this Entry

“Day job.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/day%20job. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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