gig economy

American  

[gig i-kon-uh-mee] / ˈgɪg ɪˈkɒn ə mi /

noun

Slang.

1. an economic sector consisting of part-time, temporary, and freelance jobs.

   rapid growth of the online gig economy.

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Etymology

Origin of gig economy

First recorded in 2005–10; gig ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “a job of uncertain duration”) + economy ( def. )

Example Sentences

He is one of millions working in India's rapidly expanding gig economy, which is expected to employ 23.5 million people by 2030.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

After a string of unstable jobs, Hu, like many, joined the gig economy in 2017.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

The law was a compromise between labor groups and Silicon Valley gig economy companies.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

This gap is a warning sign for the burgeoning gig economy, where workers trade stable employee benefits for more flexible schedules.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 8, 2025

“The gig economy and the way it is advertised really enforces the fact that people are their own businesses,” says Gershon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025