contractor

American  

[kon-trak-ter, kuhn-trak-ter] / ˈkɒn træk tər, kənˈtræk tər /

noun

1. a person who contracts to furnish supplies or perform work at a certain price or rate.

2. something that contracts, especially a muscle.

3. Bridge. the player or team who makes the final bid.

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contractor British  

/ kənˈtræk-, ˈkɒntræktə /

noun

1. a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labour, esp for building

2. something that contracts, esp a muscle

3. law a person who is a party to a contract

4. the declarer in bridge

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Etymology

Origin of contractor

From Late Latin, dating back to 1540–50; contract, -tor

Example Sentences

The move is largely symbolic because U.S. defense contractors generally do little business in China.

From The Wall Street Journal

But many interested in rebuilding fear that the rising cost of materials and a surge in demand for contractors could further complicate plans.

From Los Angeles Times

Those visas offer a pathway to citizenship for Afghans who were employed by the U.S. government or its private contractors.

From Los Angeles Times

Russian private military contractors in the Central African Republic told AFP they took any threats to the upcoming elections in the volatile country "extremely seriously" and were ready to "repel any provocations".

From Barron's

It also validates the company’s position as a defense “prime,” Needham argued, referring to contractors that win awards to lead large-scale defense projects.

From Barron's