freelance

/ˌfriˈlæns/

/ˈfrilæns/

Other forms: freelancing; freelanced; freelances

To freelance is to work independently, instead of for a long-term employer. If you do freelance work, you’re free to say yes or no to any project. Anyone can work freelance (as a freelancer), but it’s often a writer or artist.

To freelance is the opposite of working for one employer full-time and long-term. A freelancer — who could be a writer, a designer, or one of many other jobs — probably has many employers. The word comes from the Middle Ages, for "medieval mercenary warrior," which makes sense, since a mercenary is someone who fights for hire. It’s a free (not bound by a country) lance (sword). The pen is mightier than the sword, so these days freelance often refers to writers.

Definitions of freelance

1. noun

   a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
   synonyms: free lance, free-lance, freelancer, independent, self-employed person

   type of:

   worker

   a person who works at a specific occupation
2. adjective

   working for yourself
   synonyms: free-lance, self-employed

   antonyms:

   salaried

   receiving a salary
3. adjective

   serving for wages in a foreign army
   synonyms: free-lance, mercenary

   paid

   marked by the reception of pay
4. verb

   work independently and on temporary contracts rather than for a long-term employer
   type of:

   do work, work

   be employed