# contractor

/ˈkɑnˌtɹæktɝ/ (US) · /kəntɹˈæktɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contractor
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. construction/building

noun · CEFR B2

a person or company that manages a building project or does specific work like plumbing or electrical tasks.

For teachers: a professional or firm that undertakes a contract to provide materials and labour for a construction project.

- The contractor promised that the new kitchen would be finished by the end of the month.
- The general contractor coordinated several teams of electricians and plumbers to ensure the office renovation met the strict safety codes.

Usage: often used with 'independent' or 'general' to specify the scope of work.

### 2. freelance/temporary worker

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

someone hired by a company to do a specific job for a limited time, rather than being a permanent employee.

For teachers: an individual hired on a fixed-term basis to perform professional services, operating as an external entity rather than a staff member.

- The software company hired a contractor to help them finish the new app.
- By hiring an independent contractor instead of a full-time developer, the startup managed to reduce its long-term overhead costs during the initial launch phase.

Usage: frequently appears in the phrase 'independent contractor' for legal and tax purposes.

## Examples

- The contractor promised to finish the kitchen renovation by Friday.
- The government hired a private contractor to manage the security of the new airport terminal.
- While the firm employs several hundred full-time engineers, it relies on independent contractors to provide specialized expertise during the peak phases of development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.