freelance

American  

[free-lans, -lans] / ˈfriˌlæns, -ˈlæns /

Or free-lance

adjective

1. of or relating to work conducted by a person who sells their services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.

   a freelance writer;

   freelance copyediting.

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verb (used without object)

freelances, present (3rd person singular) freelanced, past participle, past freelancing present participle

1. to sell services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.

   The illustrator used to be employed by us but is freelancing now.

verb (used with object)

freelances, present (3rd person singular) freelanced, past participle, past freelancing present participle

1. to produce, sell, or accomplish (something) while selling services by the hour, day, job, etc..

   Every so often I freelance a magazine article for some extra cash.

adverb

1. in the manner of one who sells services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.

   She works freelance.

noun

1. freelancer.

2. a person who contends in a cause or in a succession of various causes, as they choose, without personal attachment or allegiance.

freelance British  

/ ˈfriːˌlɑːns /

noun

1. 1. Also called: freelancer.  a self-employed person, esp a writer or artist, who is not employed continuously but hired to do specific assignments

   2. ( as modifier )

      a freelance journalist

2. a person, esp a politician, who supports several causes or parties without total commitment to any one

3. (in medieval Europe) a mercenary soldier or adventurer

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verb

1. to work as a freelance on (an assignment, etc)

adverb

1. as a freelance

Other Word Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has freelanced
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have freelanced
  perfect
• has been freelancing
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are freelancing
  progressive
• have been freelancing
  perfect progressive
• freelancing
  participle
• freelances
  singular 3rd person
• am freelancing
  progressive 1st person singular
• is freelancing
  progressive 3rd person singular

Past

• had freelanced
  perfect
• was freelancing
  progressive singular
• freelanced
  participle
• had been freelancing
  perfect progressive
• were freelancing
  progressive plural
• freelanced
  simple

Future

• will freelance
  simple
• will have freelanced
  perfect
• will be freelancing
  progressive
• will have been freelancing
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of freelance

First recorded in 1810–20; free + lance ¹

Explanation

To freelance is to work independently, instead of for a long-term employer. If you do freelance work, you’re free to say yes or no to any project. Anyone can work freelance (as a freelancer), but it’s often a writer or artist. To freelance is the opposite of working for one employer full-time and long-term. A freelancer — who could be a writer, a designer, or one of many other jobs — probably has many employers. The word comes from the Middle Ages, for "medieval mercenary warrior," which makes sense, since a mercenary is someone who fights for hire. It’s a free (not bound by a country) lance (sword). The pen is mightier than the sword, so these days freelance often refers to writers.

Example Sentences

A temporary job, part-time work, freelance assignments or an internship can help you earn money and expand your network while you continue to scout for your forever career.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Being a freelance photographer means that James has no paid time off.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Ksenia joined the Journal after years of freelance work as producer for international media in Moscow.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Journalists Khalil, 43, who worked for Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, and Faraj, a freelance photographer, were travelling together.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

He started to take on freelance copyediting jobs.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Related Words

• self-employed