contractor

[16th century] Borrowed from Late Latin contractor, from Latin contract-, stem of contractus + -tor.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒnˌtɹæk.tə(ɹ)/

contractor (plural contractors)

1. A person or company that builds or improves buildings.
2. A person or company that performs specific tasks like electrical or plumbing work in construction projects.
3. A person or company hired to maintain existing facilities like air conditioning systems, groundskeeping, etc.
4. A person hired to do a job on a business contract, as opposed to a permanent employee.
   • 1994, Scott Adams, Dilbert:

     It looks like you're off to a three-hour staff meeting that doesn't apply to me. I'm glad I'm a highly-paid contractor. I'll be increasing my skills while you fight to get oxygen to your brains.

• contract