temp
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈtɛmp// UK //tˈɛmp// temp
n. a person who works in an office for a short time, often to help when someone else is away. It is a short way of saying 'temporary worker'.
n. a person employed on a short-term basis, typically through an agency to cover for staff absences or seasonal demand. An informal clipping of 'temporary worker'.
The office hired a temp to help with the extra filing.
When the regular receptionist went on maternity leave, the company brought in a temp for six months.
While many graduates start as a temp to gain experience, the lack of job security can make it difficult to plan for long-term financial commitments.
Usage
Commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'temp agency' or 'temp work'.