per diem

American  

[per dee-uhm, dahy-uhm] / pər ˈdi əm, ˈdaɪ əm /

adverb

1. by the day; for each day.

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adjective

1. paid by the day.

noun

1. a daily allowance, usually for living expenses while traveling in connection with one's work or being employed at a distance from one's home.

   a per diem for lawmakers while the legislature is in session.

per diem British  

/ ˈdiːɛm, ˈpɜː ˈdaɪɛm /

adverb

1. every day or by the day

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noun

1. 1. an allowance for daily expenses, usually those incurred while working

   2. ( as modifier )

      a per-diem allowance

per diem Cultural  

1. A Latin phrase meaning “by the day.” Traveling sales reps or government workers often are paid a per diem, meaning an allowance out of which to cover daily expenses while traveling.

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Usage

What does per diem mean? A per diem is a daily allowance of money given to employees to cover expenses, typically while traveling or working away from home. A per diem is intended to cover things like meals and travel expenses.The phrase per diem comes from Latin, in which it means “by the day.” It can be used in a general way in English to mean exactly that, as in You’ll be paid per diem. It can also be used as an adjective meaning paid per day, as in This is a per diem position. In this way, it’s typically used in the context of workers who work on an “as needed” basis—they get called in to work when they are needed, and they get paid for each day, as opposed to earning a fixed salary.Example: When sales reps go on their first big trip, they’re often tempted to blow their entire per diem on a fancy dinner.

Etymology

Origin of per diem

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1510–20

Example Sentences

I have been offered a very part-time, per diem role in my company when I retire.

From MarketWatch

Commissioners worked for free, receiving no salary, though they did get a $378 per diem on days they spent in session.

From Los Angeles Times

The BBC understands that two of the three major labels - Warner Music and Universal - have agreed to introduce the "per diem" payments for writers.

From BBC

“You get all the benefits of the other guests, plus a $30-a-day per diem,” he told me rapturously.

From Salon

Ava, meanwhile, is determined to treat her writers well by cultivating a supportive environment, including subsidizing the network’s measly $9 per diem out of her own paycheck.

From Salon