free lance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in business, media, and professional contexts.
Quick answer
What does “free lance” mean?
working for different companies on particular assignments, rather than being permanently employed by one company.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
working for different companies on particular assignments, rather than being permanently employed by one company.
Operating independently, without long-term commitment to a single employer; also refers to the work or worker in such a capacity. Can imply flexibility, autonomy, and a project-based career.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. Both prefer 'freelance' over 'free-lance'. The concept and connotations are the same.
Connotations
Neutral to positive, associated with independence and flexibility. Can sometimes imply instability or lack of benefits.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “free lance” in a Sentence
work as a freelance + [profession] (e.g., work as a freelance translator)freelance for + [company/client] (e.g., freelance for a tech startup)do + [type of work] + freelance (e.g., do graphic design freelance)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “free lance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to freelance after having her second child.
- He freelances for several magazines in London.
American English
- I freelance as a software developer in Silicon Valley.
- After the layoff, she plans to freelance for a while.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a flexible staffing model; 'We hired a freelance UX specialist for the project.'
Academic
Used in studies of labour markets and the gig economy.
Everyday
Common when discussing jobs and careers; 'She left her office job to go freelance.'
Technical
Specific legal/tax definitions vary by country (e.g., distinguishing between employee and contractor).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “free lance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “free lance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “free lance”
- Using it as a verb incorrectly: 'I freelance a lot of projects' (Incorrect) vs. 'I freelance for many clients' or 'I do a lot of freelance work' (Correct).
- Misspelling as two words 'free lance' (archaic) or hyphenated 'free-lance' (less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard modern spelling is as one closed word: 'freelance'. The hyphenated form 'free-lance' is dated, and the two-word version is considered incorrect.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb meaning to work as a freelancer (e.g., 'She freelances in marketing').
The terms often overlap. Typically, 'freelancer' suggests more autonomy and variety of clients, often for shorter projects. 'Contractor' can imply a longer-term engagement with a single client, sometimes on-site. Legally, the distinction varies.
No. 'Freelance' itself can be a noun ('She works as a freelance'), but 'freelancer' is the more common and unambiguous term for the person.
working for different companies on particular assignments, rather than being permanently employed by one company.
Free lance is usually neutral to formal; common in business, media, and professional contexts. in register.
Free lance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfriːlɑːns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfriːlæns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gun for hire (informal, similar concept)”
- “To be your own boss (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think FREE from a single office + your LANCE (a medieval mercenary's weapon) is your skill you offer to different 'kingdoms' (clients).
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODERN MERCENARY (offering skills/services to the highest bidder or most interesting project, rather than pledging allegiance to one lord/company).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'freelance' used as an ADVERB?