absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: one that is absent: such as
a
: a proprietor that lives away from his or her estate or business
b
: one missing from work or school
absentee adjective

Examples of absentee in a Sentence

There were 10 sick absentees that day.
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.
The bigger problem for New York City are the outliers, the negligent or absentee building owners who prefer to pay for sheds for an indefinite period of time rather than pay for repairs. Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 14 Mar. 2025 Other absentee voters can request ballots electronically, but they are then sent in the mail and not electronically. Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025 Among Black students, the chronic absentee rate is 41.5%; among Hispanic students, 41.7%. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 Mar. 2025 Both were understandable absentees, with Gomez only returning from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of December and Chiesa having just completed his first 90 minutes of the campaign against PSV, yet the significance of Arne Slot having a fully fit squad should not be underestimated. Andy Jones, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absentee

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French abscenté "person holding property in Ireland but illegally resident in England," from past participle of absenter "to be absent," verbal derivative of absent absent entry 1

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of absentee was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absentee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

absentee

noun
ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: a person who is absent
absentee adjective

Legal Definition

absentee

noun
ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: one that is absent: as
a
: a proprietor who lives away from his or her business or estate
b
: a potential party to a legal action who is not present or does not have a representative present at a proceeding
absentee adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on absentee

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