freelance

free-lance · adjective/noun/verb/adverb

imported

Definitions

adjective/noun/verb/adverb

  1. 1.

    Working for different companies at different times rather than being permanently employed by one company.

  2. 2.

    A person who earns money by selling their work or services to several employers without a long-term contract.

  3. 3.

    To earn money by selling work or services to several employers without a long-term contract.

  4. 4.

    On a freelance basis.

Forms

plural: freelances

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    freelance work — work done on a project-by-project basis
  • •
    go freelance — to start working independently rather than for an employer

Related words

Antonyms: employed, salaried, staff
See also: contractor, freelancer, self-employed
Synonyms: contractor, independent, self-employed

Etymology

Originally free lance, coined by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe (1820) to describe medieval mercenary warriors who were not sworn to any lord. The "lance" referred to the knight's weapon, and "free" indicated they were available for hire. The modern employment sense developed in the early 20th century.