gig
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for gig, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A single performance booking for a musician or entertainer.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use gig
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, though possibly related to Old French gigue, "a fiddle."
Full origin of gig →Frequently asked questions
What does “gig” mean?
The word “gig” means a single performance booking for a musician or entertainer. In plain terms, a performance booking or, more broadly these days, any short-term or freelance job.
How do you pronounce “gig”?
“Gig” is pronounced gihg (/ɡɪɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gig” in a sentence?
Here is “gig” used in a sentence: “The band played a gig at the local pub on Friday.”
What part of speech is “gig”?
Depending on how it is used, “gig” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gig” come from?
The word “gig” comes from Old French. Origin uncertain, though possibly related to Old French gigue, "a fiddle.".
Is “gig” a common word?
“Gig” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “gig” have?
“Gig” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single performance booking for a musician or entertainer.
What is the gig economy?
The gig economy is a labour market built on short-term, freelance, or on-demand jobs, known as gigs, rather than permanent employment. Delivery riders, ride-share drivers, and freelance designers are typical gig workers, paid per task or booking instead of a fixed salary.
What is the difference between a gig and a concert?
A gig is a single booked performance, and the word is informal: musicians talk about 'playing a gig' whether it is in a pub or a stadium. A concert usually suggests a more formal, organised performance, often with a larger audience. Any concert can loosely be called a gig, but small casual shows are rarely called concerts.
Can gig be used as a verb?
Yes. To gig means to perform live as a musician or entertainer, as in 'the band has been gigging around the country for years'. The verb is informal and especially common in music journalism.
Is gig too informal for a CV or formal writing?
Gig is an informal word in both its music sense and its job sense. On a CV or in formal writing, 'engagement', 'booking', 'contract', or 'freelance project' are safer choices, while gig suits everyday speech and casual writing.