temp
4 synonyms for temp, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person hired to work somewhere for a short, fixed period rather than permanently.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
fill-in
stand-in
How to use temp
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
work as a temp
take someone's temp
Etymology
A clipping of "temporary" (for the job sense) and of "temperature" (for the measurement sense).
Full origin of temp →Frequently asked questions
What does “temp” mean?
The word “temp” means a person hired to work somewhere for a short, fixed period rather than permanently. In plain terms, casual short word for either a short-term worker or a temperature reading.
How do you pronounce “temp”?
“Temp” is pronounced tehmp (/tɛmp/ in IPA).
How do you use “temp” in a sentence?
Here is “temp” used in a sentence: “The agency sent over a temp to cover reception while the usual receptionist was on leave.”
What part of speech is “temp”?
Depending on how it is used, “temp” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “temp” a common word?
“Temp” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “temp” have?
“Temp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person hired to work somewhere for a short, fixed period rather than permanently.
What is the difference between a temp and a permanent employee?
A temp is hired for a short, fixed period rather than being taken on permanently, often through a staffing agency to cover busy periods, absences, or short-term projects. A permanent employee, by contrast, has an ongoing role with no set end date.
Is "temp" formal or informal English?
Temp is an informal, shortened form used in everyday speech and casual writing, both for a temporary worker and for "temperature." In formal documents such as contracts, the fuller terms "temporary employee" or "temperature" are more appropriate.
What is the difference between "temp" meaning a worker and "temp" meaning temperature?
Context usually makes the meaning clear: "she's temping at the office" refers to short-term work, while "check the temp outside" refers to temperature. Both are informal abbreviations, but they come from entirely unrelated words.
