gig worker
noun
plural gig workers
: a person who works temporary jobs typically in the service sector as an independent contractor or freelancer : a worker in the gig economy
Gig workers have freedoms that most full-timers only dream of: setting their own hours, working from home, being their own bosses. No wonder the gig economy comprised 16 percent of all workers by 2015, according to research by economists Lawrence Katz and Alan Krueger.—
Andy Sullivan
Andy SullivanIn addition to having more stable space, the affluent often have greater latitude to remain inside it. They can work on Zoom, shop on Amazon and have gig workers deliver meals.—Jason DeParle
Jason DeParleExamples of gig worker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Packages that were assembled at Amazon’s massive fulfillment centers are sent to the hubs for sorting before local gig workers and contractors pick the up for delivery.
—Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 16 May 2026
The stores will be roughly 20,000 square feet and exclusively accessible to gig workers using the retailer’s Spark delivery driver app to collect orders and bring them to customers.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Uber’s last big ballot fight, on which together with Lyft the company spent $200 million, was a successful campaign to pass a measure that kept gig workers classified as independent contractors, not full-time employees.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
While many gig workers rely on cars, a growing number are making money on two wheels — delivering food, groceries, and small packages by bike, e-bike, or scooter.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gig worker
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Anne D'innocenzio, Fortune, 16 May 2026
The stores will be roughly 20,000 square feet and exclusively accessible to gig workers using the retailer’s Spark delivery driver app to collect orders and bring them to customers.
—Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Uber’s last big ballot fight, on which together with Lyft the company spent $200 million, was a successful campaign to pass a measure that kept gig workers classified as independent contractors, not full-time employees.
—Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026
While many gig workers rely on cars, a growing number are making money on two wheels — delivering food, groceries, and small packages by bike, e-bike, or scooter.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gig worker
Cite this Entry
“Gig worker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gig%20worker. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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