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.

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Etymology

Origin of independent contractor

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

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

The clearest parallels can be drawn in other independent contractor roles, which make up around 15 percent of U.S. workers.

From Slate • Oct. 13, 2024

In his amended complaint, Brooks said the woman is now a Mississippi resident who worked for him as an independent contractor for about 15 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2024

When, therefore, one exercises an independent employment, selects his own help and has the control of them, and the method of conducting the work, he is an independent contractor.

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