gig economy

noun

: economic activity that involves the use of temporary or freelance workers to perform jobs typically in the service sector

One reason the gig economy has taken off: People tend to change jobs more frequently and many enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where they work.

—Marcia Pledger

While they are still able to work, boomers will be a big part of a subset of the sharing economy that is sometimes called the "gig economy." Gigs are what they sound like: assignments, contracts or part-time jobs.

—Linda Nazareth

Examples of gig economy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These disruptions present a profound opportunity for brave brands: help Gen Z thrive, not just survive in the burgeoning gig economy. —Reid Litman, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2025

Much as professional wrestlers have remained independent contractors, this arrangement has become normalized in the broader American economy, with more than 36% of Americans participating in the gig economy. —Brian Jansen, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2025

The gig economy had a market size of $556.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to more than triple to $1,847 billion by 2032, the World Economic Forum reports. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, freelancing or gig economy work. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

gig entry 1

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig economy

• deuteronomy
• aeronomy
• agronomy
• astronomy
• autonomy
• gastronomy
• metonymy
• taxonomy