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
Andy SullivanIn 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
Jason DeParleExamples of gig worker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most gig workers juggle multiple gigs and like the flexibility.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
As gig workers in the truest sense, musicians and many others in the industry run into the same roadblocks to decent treatment and insurance as the average American, but their profession amplifies the problems to unbearable volumes.
—Dan Reilly, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Most employees pay their taxes on the annual deadline every April, but freelancers, gig workers, small business owners and anyone else earning money that hasn't been subject to federal withholdings may have to submit quarterly payments four times a year.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Backed by California’s Service Employees International Union, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a measure Tuesday that would allow drivers to bargain with companies like Uber and Lyft for better pay and benefits, a step toward more protections for gig workers.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gig worker
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
As gig workers in the truest sense, musicians and many others in the industry run into the same roadblocks to decent treatment and insurance as the average American, but their profession amplifies the problems to unbearable volumes.
—Dan Reilly, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Most employees pay their taxes on the annual deadline every April, but freelancers, gig workers, small business owners and anyone else earning money that hasn't been subject to federal withholdings may have to submit quarterly payments four times a year.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
Backed by California’s Service Employees International Union, Democratic lawmakers unveiled a measure Tuesday that would allow drivers to bargain with companies like Uber and Lyft for better pay and benefits, a step toward more protections for gig workers.
—Calmatters, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gig worker
Cite this Entry
“Gig worker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gig%20worker. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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