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

But these rules often fall short for gig workers, immigrants, or small businesses without long credit histories. —Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Voters approved the ballot measure to keep gig workers as independent contractors while the companies promised better benefits the same year. —Calmatters, Oc Register, 10 Apr. 2025

An earlier ruling struck down a requirement that lawmakers reach a 7/8 majority vote for any law allowing gig workers to unionize, paving the way for Wicks’ bill. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2025

To stay relevant, gig workers need three key strategies: mastering AI tools, shifting to high-value problem-solving, and building a strong personal brand. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig worker

• caseworker
• coworker
• farmworker
• woodworker