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

While some gig economy workers value the flexibility that short-term assignments offer, others may want to enjoy the stability of having a full-time role. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The gig economy, which barely existed in 2008, now provides income buffers for many. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 1 May 2025

Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as self-employment earnings, rental income, interest, dividends or gig economy work. —Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025

The journey began with a simple observation: companies in the gig economy were insuring the same workers multiple times. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 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