independent contractor

American  

[in-di-pen-duhnt kon-trak-ter] / ˈɪn dɪˌpɛn dənt ˈkɒn træk tər /

noun

1. a self-employed skilled worker hired to do a piece of work under a contract that allows them to control how the work is carried out.

   Many of us work part-time or, like me, are independent contractors doing freelance work for various companies and individuals.

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Etymology

Origin of independent contractor

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

independent contractor

They may be performing the work as an employee or as an independent contractor.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

McCawley added that the dismissal of the harassment claims was based on the court’s determination that Lively was an independent contractor rather than an employee, not a finding that the alleged conduct did not occur.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2026

Rather than simply identify as a consultant or independent contractor, the trendy thing is to think of yourself as the boss of You Inc.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 5, 2026

If he’s done anything about independent contractor abuse while serving in the Senate, I don’t know about it.

From Salon ● Jun. 8, 2025

Generally, an independent contractor is one who exercises an independent employment and contracts to do a piece of work according to his own method, without being subject to the control of the employer.

From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Bolles, Albert Sidney