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

In 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

Examples of gig worker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Slated for release in theaters on October 17, Good Fortune introduces Reeves as Gabriel, a well-meaning but rather inept angel who decides to intervene in the lives of a struggling gig worker (Ansari) and a wealthy venture capitalist (Rogen). —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 May 2025

Imagine a world where gig workers, freelancers or even full-time employees can access their earnings instantly—right from a mobile wallet—without waiting on payroll cycles or bank transfers. —Carlos Netto, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

The deduction allows small businesses, including partnerships, sole proprietorships (who are often gig workers) and S corporations, to subtract 20% of their qualified business income from their taxes, lowering their tax liability. —Alain Sherter, CBS News, 14 May 2025

Final Thoughts Budgeting as a gig worker requires intentional planning and adaptability. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig worker

• caseworker
• coworker
• farmworker
• woodworker