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 company has reportedly become Maven's primary technology contractor, and its AI now forms the operational backbone of the program.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 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

De Min said payments to contractors had been delayed amid the wider financial situation surrounding the Citadel development, including the ongoing receivership, but "legitimate contractor costs" would be "addressed".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A resident in Isfahan says he knew a contractor working with the Revolutionary Guard who recently told him he had started getting paid in vouchers equivalent to $9 apiece.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Keith's widow, Leila, returned to her bookkeeping job at Tec Electric, a local electrical contractor.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel