Contractor
/ˈkɒntræktər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or company that is hired to do a specific job or provide a service, usually under a contract.
/ˈkɒntræktər/
A person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job.
The homeowner hired a contractor to renovate the kitchen.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to build a treehouse, but you don't know how! You'd hire a *contractor*—someone who specializes in building things—to build the treehouse for you. They'll agree (contract) to do the job.
👶 For kids: A contractor is someone who is paid to do a job for you, like building a house or fixing a car.
More Examples
The government awarded the construction contract to a reputable contractor.
He worked as an independent contractor, offering his services to various companies.
How It's Used
"The general contractor oversaw the construction of the new office building."
"The company hired several independent contractors to complete the project."
A person or entity that signs a contract and agrees to provide goods or services.
/ˈkɒntræktər/
A person who is a party to a contract.
The contractor agreed to deliver the goods by the end of the month.
💡 Simply: When you agree to something in writing, you become a *contractor*, promising that you will fulfill the agreed-upon action.
👶 For kids: If you make an agreement (like doing chores), you are a contractor.
More Examples
The terms of the contract specify the obligations of each contractor.
The contractor was responsible for ensuring the project met all safety standards.
How It's Used
"Both the contractor and the client signed the contract."
Idioms & expressions
independent contractor
A self-employed person or company that provides services to others.
"Many businesses use independent contractors for temporary projects."
general contractor
The main contractor responsible for overseeing the construction of a project.
"The general contractor is responsible for coordinating the work of all subcontractors."
From Middle English *contractour*, from Old French *contracteur*, from Latin *contractor* ("one who contracts"), from *contrahere* ("to draw together, to contract").
Historically, the term referred to someone who entered into a formal agreement or *contract* to perform a duty, supply goods, or build something. Its usage grew significantly with the rise of industry and infrastructure projects.
Memory tip
Think of someone who *contracts* (agrees) to do a specific job, like building a house.
Word Origin
"to draw together, to agree"