subcontractor

noun

sub·​con·​trac·​tor ˌsəb-ˈkän-ˌtrak-tər How to pronounce subcontractor (audio)
ˌsəb-kən-ˈtrak-
: an individual or business firm contracting to perform part or all of another's contract

Examples of subcontractor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The suit also claims that Sanborn used some of Gardner's money to pay subcontractors deposits of 50%, 60% and even 80% before any work had been done. John Wisely, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Its on-site subcontractors were previously ordered by the city to award some $230,000 in back-pay to workers. Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 There are 411 contractors and subcontractors working on the massive construction project, Bally’s Chicago said. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 As subcontractors, these workers were outside the purview and responsibility of the US and its military. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subcontractor

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcontractor was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Subcontractor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcontractor. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Legal Definition

subcontractor

noun
: one (as an individual or business) that contracts to perform part or all of the obligations of another's contract

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