temp

Everyday

1. (informal) A temp is a worker who works for a company only for a short time, often through an agency. tree →
2. (informal) To temp is to work as a temp. tree →
3. (abbreviation, informal) Temp is short for temperature: «What's the temp outside?» tree →
4. (abbreviation) Temp is short for temporary, as in a temp job or a temp file. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday clipped talk and work life, a temp covers for someone who is away. In science and weather, «temp» is a quick way to write temperature (temp: 20 °C). Phrases: a temp job, temp agency, high temp.

Examples

• Mum worked as a temp in an office for a month. tree →
• The temp answered the phone while the secretary was away. tree →
• My brother is temping this summer. tree →
• What's the temp today? About 25 degrees. tree →
• The dog has a high temp, so we're taking him to the vet. tree →
• Write the temp in your weather chart. tree →

Note

Clipped informal word: in formal writing say «temporary worker» or «temperature». In tables it can be written «temp.» with a dot. In maths and science, temp is a number with units (°C or °F).