1
: a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation
2
: a person who buys a ticket but does not attend
broadly
: a person who is expected but who does not show up
3
: failure to show up
: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid but performs few duties or is rarely present for work
Examples of no-show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Airports across the country have experienced delays this week because of a shortage of controllers, more than half of which Duffy attributed to work no-shows.
—Josh Funk, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
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.
Noun
Women’s Power Stride Tab Socks 3-pack Designed with training in mind, this three-pack of no-show socks boasts an interior grip that keeps them from slipping during use.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Airports across the country have experienced delays this week because of a shortage of controllers, more than half of which Duffy attributed to work no-shows.
—Josh Funk, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
After ending their season with an NIT no-show against UCF, the Gators face a roster makeover and push to become one of the next quick turnarounds in college basketball.
—Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
Cite this Entry
“No-show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-show. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share