self-employment

noun

self-em·​ploy·​ment ˌself-im-ˈplȯi-mənt How to pronounce self-employment (audio)
: the state of being self-employed

Examples of self-employment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The limitation is based on W-2 income and self-employment income only. Thomas Hager, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, freelancing or gig economy work. Kate Dore, Cfp®, Ea, CNBC, 15 June 2025 What To Know Federal taxpayers who earn income not subject to withholding—such as self-employment earnings, gig work, interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income, or 1099 payments—may need to make estimated tax payments during the year, the IRS says. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Why Does Self-Employment Help The Heart? Why might self-employment boost women’s health? Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-employment

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-employment was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Self-employment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-employment. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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