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
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 gig economy mindset is reshaping full-time roles Younger professionals – especially Gen Z – are increasingly adopting a gig-style approach even in traditional jobs. Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 For example, Form 1099-K reports business transactions from apps, such as PayPal or Venmo, along with gig economy platforms, such as Uber or Lyft. Ana Teresa Solá,kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 18 July 2025 This survey’s release also coincides with the World Economic Forum’s latest round-up on the gig economy, which noted that as the cost of living continues to rise, more and more individuals are looking for extra work to get by. The Hill, 27 June 2025 Let it be said that a TV show genuinely focused on an immigrant stuck in New York City’s gig economy hamster wheel as he and his friends are targeted by a serial killer would be a better show than Dexter: Resurrection. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gig economy

Word History

Etymology

gig entry 1

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gig economy was in 2009

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Cite this Entry

“Gig economy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gig%20economy. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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