gig economy

American  

[gig i-kon-uh-mee] / ˈgɪg ɪˈkɒn ə mi /

noun

Slang.

1. an economic sector consisting of part-time, temporary, and freelance jobs.

   rapid growth of the online gig economy.

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Etymology

Origin of gig economy

First recorded in 2005–10; gig ¹ ( def. ) (in the sense “a job of uncertain duration”) + economy ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gig economy

The model is becoming increasingly common across India's booming gig economy.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

At the same time, the gig economy – freelance or contract work rather than permanent employment – has grown significantly.

From BBC ● May 25, 2026

Is the gig economy a means or an end to ambition?

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2026

So many people are entering the gig economy that it is putting downward pressure on wages, as people laid off from other industries or unable to find full-time work compete for pay.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 20, 2025

This gap is a warning sign for the burgeoning gig economy, where workers trade stable employee benefits for more flexible schedules.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 8, 2025