contractor

American  

[kon-trak-ter, kuhn-trak-ter] / ˈkɒn træk tər, kənˈtræk tər /

noun

1. a person who contracts to furnish supplies or perform work at a certain price or rate.

2. something that contracts, especially a muscle.

3. Bridge. the player or team who makes the final bid.

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contractor British  

/ kənˈtræk-, ˈkɒntræktə /

noun

1. a person or firm that contracts to supply materials or labour, esp for building

2. something that contracts, esp a muscle

3. law a person who is a party to a contract

4. the declarer in bridge

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Etymology

Origin of contractor

From Late Latin, dating back to 1540–50; contract, -tor

Example Sentences

Officials recommended choosing more premium fit-out design and wall finishes from the options presented by the chosen contractor.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

BBC News NI approached the contractor to ask how much the options differed in price, but the firm said it was unable to discuss it without permission from the client.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Its service module, providing propulsion and power, was developed by the European Space Agency, with Airbus serving as lead contractor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

GEO Group Inc., the private contractor that operates the Adelanto facility, declined to comment, referring inquiries to ICE.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Meanwhile, work on the hospital did not progress smoothly; twice the contractor was changed, and each man in turn appointed new foremen, and these brought their own labourers.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya