Hire

Hire is a term with several related meanings in English. As a verb, it means to employ someone to perform work under an employment contract, or to rent or lease goods or services. As a noun, it can refer to the act or instance of employing, the workforce that is employed, or the payment for using something (wages or a rental fee). The term also appears in phrases such as “new hire” (a recently employed person) or “hire rate” (the wage or rental price). In British English, to hire a car or equipment means to rent it; in American English, “rent” is more common for goods, while “hire” is often used for employment.

Historically, “hire” derives from Old English and other Germanic roots and has long distinguished employment arrangements from ownership. The concept encompasses both permanent and temporary arrangements, such as contractors, seasonal workers, or agency staff. The modern hiring process typically involves job posting, applicant screening, interviewing, offer of employment, and onboarding. Employers may use recruitment agencies, internal HR, and assessment tools; candidates may negotiate salary, benefits, and contracts.

Legal frameworks govern hiring to prevent discrimination, ensure fair wages, and regulate contract terms. In the United States, at-will employment is common, while other jurisdictions require just cause or notice for termination. Wages, minimum standards, and working conditions are central to the employment relationship. In retail and commerce, “hire” also denotes the rental or lease of equipment, vehicles, or space, with “hire purchase” or leasing arrangements common in certain markets. The term remains flexible across contexts, reflecting both labor markets and consumer lending practices.