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day job

American  

noun

  1. one's regular job and main source of income, usually viewed in contrast to a speculative or irregular endeavor.

    Good luck in the lottery, but don't quit your day job.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A day job is still, for many, a necessity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

His day job with the Tennis Channel brings him to Indian Wells anyway, and he has answered the call for assistance.

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Tkachuk’s day job, you see, is star player and team captain of the NHL Ottawa Senators.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Alito, whose appreciation for private jet travel is well-established, would ordinarily be due at his day job.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

I feel lighter, like my shadow just quit his day job, walked off, and threw up a peace sign.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.