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

Staff are updating systems to be able to perform streamlined income verification for gig workers, as well as pull in education enrollment data to verify future community engagement requirements for Medicaid. —Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026

But some gig workers say these are often difficult to access and multiple protests in recent years highlight the need for more transparency and greater benefits. —Esha Mitra, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026

From a statewide plastic bag ban to new rules for gig workers and renters, 2026 is bringing a fresh set of laws that could reshape daily life. —James Ward, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025

Drone deliveries are rapidly expanding in India, increasing efficiency but making gig workers nervous that their jobs are being automated. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 21 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gig worker

• caseworker
• coworker
• farmworker
• woodworker