contractor

con-trac-tor · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor.

  2. 2.

    A person who works for themselves rather than being employed.

  3. 3.

    A person engaged by government for military or security work.

Forms

plural: contractors

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    general contractor — oversees entire construction project
  • •
    independent contractor — self-employed worker
  • •
    defense contractor — company providing military equipment
  • •
    subcontractor — hired by main contractor

Related words

Antonyms: employee
See also: builder, contract, employee
Synonyms: builder, subcontractor, supplier, vendor

Etymology

From Late Latin "contractor" meaning one who makes a contract, from "contrahere" (to draw together).