contractor
nounUK /ˈkɒnˌtɹæk.tə(ɹ)/
Etymology Borrowed from Late Latin contractor, from Latin contract-, stem of contractus + -tor. First attested in the 16th century.
1
A person or company that builds or improves buildings or structures.
- Two days later, walking beyond the usual limit of the conventional promenade, Carrados reached a rough wooden hut such as contractors erect during the progress of their work.1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC:
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.
- 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.1994, Scott Adams, Dilbert: