B2nouninformal2K

Gig

UK /["/ɡɪɡ/"]/US /["/ɡɪɡ/"]/

Definition

a performance by musicians playing popular music or jazz in front of an audience; a similar performance by a comedian

In simple words: A job or performance, especially for musicians or entertainers.

Examples

  • They're doing a gig in Boston tonight.
  • an Arctic Monkeys gig
  • He played with the band at a recent gig.
  • The guide lists live music events in the area, including pub gigs.
  • She landed her first gig on a kids' TV show.
  • a gig as a basketball coach

Usage notes

Use 'gig' when talking about temporary jobs or entertainment events. It’s casual and may not be appropriate in formal contexts, like job interviews or official business discussions.

Grammar pattern

gig + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'gig' as a 'jig' where performers get paid.

Collocations

  • live
  • paid
  • paying
  • do
  • play
  • get
  • at a/​the gig
  • live
  • paid
  • paying
  • do
  • play
  • get
  • at a/​the gig

Synonyms

  • performance
  • job
  • engagement
  • show

Antonyms

  • silence
  • idleness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'jig' which is a type of dance.
  • Using 'gig' for full-time jobs instead of temporary or informal ones.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'gīg' instead of 'gig'.