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

Among the nearly 70 occupations that qualify are restaurant servers, gig workers, barbers, cosmetologists and golf caddies. —Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025

What is the future of gig workers? —Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2025

Data labeling, traditionally outsourced to gig workers, could be a big business for Uber, turning it into an AI services provider beyond a ride-sharing and delivery company. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025

The rideshare apps In some respects, Mexico leads the world in commitment to protecting gig workers like Rojas. —Ladan Anoushfar, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig worker

• caseworker
• coworker
• farmworker
• woodworker