Freelance
/ˈfriːlɑːns/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo work independently, offering one's services to multiple clients on a project basis, rather than being employed by a single company.
/ˈfriːlɑːns/
To work as a freelance professional.
She freelances as a graphic designer, creating logos and websites.
💡 Simply: Like being a superhero for hire! You use your special skills to help different people or companies, one project at a time. It's like having a bunch of different jobs instead of just one big one.
👶 For kids: When you 'freelance', you work for different people or companies, one at a time, instead of having just one job.
More Examples
I freelance to have more control over my work hours and projects.
He decided to freelance after being laid off from his full-time job.
How It's Used
"Many professionals freelance, offering their services to multiple clients."
"He freelances as a software developer, building websites for various companies."
Working independently and offering one's services to multiple clients; not employed by a single company.
/ˈfriːlɑːns/
Describing a person or service offered on a freelance basis.
She is a freelance writer who specializes in technology.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a 'freelance' artist. It means you're not stuck working for just one boss. You're free to do work for different people whenever they need you. It's like being a flexible artist.
👶 For kids: When something is 'freelance', it means it's not for one person. Like a freelance artist, they can draw pictures for anybody!
More Examples
They use freelance developers for their project.
The company hires freelance editors to proofread their publications.
How It's Used
"She's a freelance journalist, writing articles for various publications."
"They hired a freelance photographer for the wedding."
A person who works independently, offering services to multiple clients on a project basis.
/ˈfriːlɑːns/
A person who works on a freelance basis.
Many freelancers work remotely from home.
💡 Simply: A 'freelance' is someone who uses their skills to help different people or companies, one project at a time. They are like independent workers.
👶 For kids: A 'freelance' is someone who helps different people with their work, instead of having just one job.
More Examples
The magazine hired a team of freelancers for their special edition.
Being a freelancer allows you to work on a variety of projects.
How It's Used
"The company hires several freelancers for their marketing projects."
"The project team consists of both full-time employees and freelancers."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Freelance economy
The part of the economy consisting of independent workers and contract-based work.
"The freelance economy is growing rapidly as more people seek flexible work arrangements."
From 'free lance', a term originally used to describe a medieval mercenary soldier whose lance (spear) was available for hire to anyone. It evolved to encompass any independent worker offering services.
The term 'free lance' originated in the 19th century, though the concept existed earlier. It referred initially to mercenary soldiers.
Memory tip
Imagine a free lance (spear) available to whoever pays – now it’s your skills, not a weapon, that’s for hire.
Word Origin
"free (available) + spear (weapon)"