freelancer

American  

[free-lan-ser] / ˈfriˌlæn sər /

Also free lancer,

noun

1. a person who works as a writer, designer, performer, or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.

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Etymology

Origin of freelancer

First recorded in 1920–25; freelance ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The author is a freelancer and storyteller who lives in Glassell Park with her husband, two dogs and four quail.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"So when you download software, when an SME uses the cloud, when a freelancer sells a design service abroad, there are no taxes at the border," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

In direct messages between client and freelancer, matters of A.I. usage and ghostwriting can be discussed.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Prior to joining the Journal in 2017, Jon worked as a freelancer in Indonesia, where he wrote for the New York Times, Washington Post and Financial Times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

The friend, a former telephone company technician turned freelancer, came over to look at the equipment.

From Underground by Dreyfus, Suelette

Related Words

• author
• biographer
• columnist
• correspondent
• critic
• dramatist
• editor
• essayist
• journalist
• novelist
• poet
• reporter
• screenwriter