gig worker

noun

plural gig workers

: a person who works temporary jobs typically in the service sector as an independent contractor or freelancer : a worker in the gig economy

Gig workers have freedoms that most full-timers only dream of: setting their own hours, working from home, being their own bosses. No wonder the gig economy comprised 16 percent of all workers by 2015, according to research by economists Lawrence Katz and Alan Krueger.

—Andy Sullivan

In addition to having more stable space, the affluent often have greater latitude to remain inside it. They can work on Zoom, shop on Amazon and have gig workers deliver meals.

—Jason DeParle

Examples of gig worker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Productions rely on these outside contractors and vendors, gig workers, security, caterers, VFX houses, soundstage owners, below-the-line workers and more. —Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Ironically, the unintended consequences of this particular example seem to have empowered gig workers to take back some autonomy, allegedly using AI to coordinate deliveries for their schedule, and racking up losses for the franchisee at the other end. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 May 2026

In recent years, ACA plans have become a popular choice for gig workers, farmers, ranchers, hairstylists and others who don't get their health coverage through an employer. —ABC News, 19 May 2026

The stores will be roughly 20,000 square feet and exclusively accessible to gig workers using the retailer’s Spark delivery driver app to collect orders and bring them to customers. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig worker

• caseworker
• coworker
• farmworker
• woodworker