# locum

/lˈəʊkəm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/locum
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a worker who does another person's job for a short time while that person is sick or on holiday. You often hear it about doctors.

For teachers: a qualified professional, especially a doctor or member of the clergy, engaged to temporarily cover the duties of another in the same post.

## Examples

- The clinic hires a locum while Dr. Patel is away.
- The hospital brings in a locum to cover night shifts during the staffing shortage.
- After the senior partner retired, the practice relied on a series of locums whose unfamiliar faces unsettled long-term patients accustomed to continuity of care.

## Synonyms

substitute, Temp

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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.