temp

¹

[temp]

noun

1. an office worker hired, usually through an agency on a per diem basis, for a short period of time; a temporary worker.

verb (used without object)

1. to work on a per diem basis or as a temporary employee.

temp.

²

abbreviation

1. temperature.

2. temporary.

3. in the time of.

temp.

¹

abbreviation

1. temperate

2. temperature

3. temporary

4. tempore

temp

²

/ tɛmp /

noun

1. a person, esp a typist or other office worker, employed on a temporary basis

verb

1. (intr) to work as a temp

Word History and Origins

Origin of temp¹

First recorded in 1930–35; by shortening

Origin of temp²

From the Latin word tempore

Word History and Origins

Origin of temp¹

(for sense 4) Latin: in the time of

Example Sentences

Understanding which category your cousin falls into can help you strategize long before the turkey hits its final internal temp.

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Many are offering their Black Friday deals earlier and earlier to temp value-conscious consumers.

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She kept her long-term temp job at Deutsche Bank throughout that first season, wanting to ensure she could make her rent if the show got axed.

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Roles were automated away, or increasingly, replaced by temps and consultants.

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Spoon over the orange-zest-and-fennel squash — warm or room temp — and hit it with a pinch of flaky salt.

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Related Words

• aide 
• apprentice 
• associate 
• attendant 
• backup 
• colleague 
• companion 
• deputy 
• friend 
• partner 
• representative 
• secretary