noun
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a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labour, esp for building
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something that contracts, esp a muscle
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law a person who is a party to a contract
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the declarer in bridge
Etymology
Origin of contractor
From Late Latin, dating back to 1540–50; see origin at contract, -tor
Explanation
A contractor is someone who is hired to build something. As a contractor at a building site, it is highly recommended you keep your hard hat on at all times. When you think of contractor, you may picture construction sites; however, the word has other meanings as well. Legally, if you sign a contract to perform a specific job then you are what is known as a contractor. When there are not many full-time jobs available for workers, sometimes the only option is to become a freelance contractor, which might mean that you only work part-time or when needed.
Vocabulary lists containing contractor
The Circuit
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Structural Engineering
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -er, -or
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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.
Contractor Allison Allain noted that the requirement for rebuilding is a “moving target” that continues to evolve.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025
Contractor Paul Chesterman said the road was a lot busier because of the new by-pass and drivers trying to avoid roadworks on it.
From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024
Contractor Ricardo Adams of Landmark Structural Builders says before you begin construction, plan your design and materials, especially if you’re constructing the bookcase from scratch.
From Seattle Times • May 3, 2024
Contractor crews are repairing the concrete and replacing the bearings of the two bridges over the Amtrak railway.
From Washington Times • Mar. 7, 2023
Since Hurricane Katrina, Zeitoun A. Painting Contractor LLC has restored 114 houses to their former states, or improved versions thereof.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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.
