English · Word Candidate

freelance

/ˈfɹiːlɑːns/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: freelances · freelancing · freelanced

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Someone who sells their services to clients without a long-term employment contract.

Noun

Examples

The objector, one Millworthy, a free-lance of journalism, was not to be so easily silenced.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A medieval mercenary.

Noun

Examples

I—I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them—I will lead them to Hull, seize on shipping, and embark for Flanders; […] Trust me, Estoteville alone has strength enough to drive all thy Free Lances into the Humber.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Of or relating to a freelance; without a long-term employment contract.

Adjective

Examples

He was a freelance writer for several magazines.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To work as a freelance.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “freelance” mean?

Someone who sells their services to clients without a long-term employment contract.

Is “freelance” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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