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

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

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