contractor

American  

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

noun

contractors plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• contractors
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

Among other issues, the contractor hired to design and build the system has accused the governing body of LAX, Los Angeles World Airports, of imposing numerous “blockers” that have delayed the train’s opening.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

Crucially, the law also extends to any US contractor that shares a lobbyist or law firm with a blacklisted entity.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

In a message reviewed by the Journal, that contractor told its social-media army to repost content made by 10 Polymarket creators in particular, Makihara among them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

But a friend who installs windows put them in touch with one contractor who offered to build their new house and 700-square-foot accessory unit on their property for $1.1 million, the lowest bid they received.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

Four days later, the contractor who had been selected to build the controversial project suddenly pulled out, citing “fiercer than usual” opposition.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson