independent contractor

[in-di-pen-duhnt kon-trak-ter]

noun

1. a self-employed skilled worker hired to do a piece of work under a contract that allows them to control how the work is carried out.

   Many of us work part-time or, like me, are independent contractors doing freelance work for various companies and individuals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of independent contractor¹

First recorded in 1855–60