noun
Uncommon
temp
tehmp
Temp (noun) means a person hired to work somewhere for a short, fixed period rather than permanently. Example: “The agency sent over a temp to cover reception while the usual receptionist was on leave.”
noun
1
A person hired to work somewhere for a short, fixed period rather than permanently.
"The agency sent over a temp to cover reception while the usual receptionist was on leave."
"The shop hired a temp to help with the busy December rush."
"He started out as a temp but was later offered a full-time contract."
2
Informal short form of "temperature."
"The nurse took his temp before the doctor came in."
"Check the baby's temp before you decide whether to call the doctor."
"Her temp was a little high, so she stayed home from school."
verb
1
To work as a temporary employee.
"She temped in offices around the city while looking for a permanent job."
"I temped for a few months after finishing university."
"He temps at a different company every week to earn extra money."
How to use temp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual short word for either a short-term worker or a temperature reading.
Common pairings
work as a temp
take someone's temp
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Word forms
- Plural
- temps
- Third person singular
- temps
- Past tense
- temped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The agency sent over a _____ to cover reception while the usual receptionist was on leave.
Etymology
A clipping of "temporary" (for the job sense) and of "temperature" (for the measurement sense).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for temp
See all rhymes for 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.
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