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
Cite this Entry
“Gig worker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gig%20worker. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.
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