independent contractor

American  

[in-di-pen-duhnt kon-trak-ter] / ˈɪn dɪˌpɛn dənt ˈkɒn træk tər /

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of independent contractor

First recorded in 1855–60

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

independent contractor

They may be performing the work as an employee or as an independent contractor.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

Rather than simply identify as a consultant or independent contractor, the trendy thing is to think of yourself as the boss of You Inc.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 5, 2026

If he’s done anything about independent contractor abuse while serving in the Senate, I don’t know about it.

From Salon ● Jun. 8, 2025

County officials have not commented on that assertion — or others — citing the ongoing investigation being conducted by the McChrystal Group, an independent contractor that specializes in disaster management.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2025

By the latter relationship one is an independent contractor and excluded from the acts.

From Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman by Albert Sidney Bolles

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---