day job

noun

: one's regular employment as contrasted with an occasional, secondary, or coveted job

Examples of day job in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
DeRosa, who retired several years ago from his day job in food service, has incredible memories of bringing local music to the Meriden masses. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 At the going rate of $15 or $20 an hour, five to 10 half-day jobs each week can quickly become decent cash flow. Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 25 Apr. 2026 For his day job, Jennings is the chief executive officer for the Center for Fathers and Families, focused on strengthening families and building stronger communities. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026 The breeding season ends around September, and Magpie's day job will come to an end. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for day job

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of day job was in 1971

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Day job.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/day%20job. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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