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.
The recipe was a family secret until 1998, when brothers and co-owners Trey and Will Sims quit their day jobs to start a pickle company with their friend Andy Anderson. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, his day job may be entering a new phase as fledgling companies leave the nest and head off on their own — faster than new ones launch. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 Like many writers with day jobs, Revord drafted the novel in snatches, often while on the Young Sheldon set, before the show ended in 2024. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist’s day job is still around the Panthers. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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