noun
contractor
KON-trak-tuh
noun
1
A person or company hired to carry out building or construction work.
"They hired a contractor to build the new extension."
"The general contractor coordinated the plumbers, electricians, and painters."
2
Someone hired to do a specific job under a contract rather than as a permanent employee.
"She works as an independent contractor for several different clients."
How to Use Contractor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone hired under contract to do a job, often building work.
Common pairings
general contractor
independent contractor
hire a contractor
Word Forms
contractors plural, Contractors plural
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Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin contractor, from Latin contractus plus the agent suffix -tor; first recorded in the 16th century.