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 Backers of the suit sought stricter adherence to Nevada’s absentee voting laws, especially in light of polls predicting a close race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in the state. Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Oct. 2024 Michigan absentee voting update Absentee voting is also underway in Michigan. Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press, 28 Oct. 2024 Early in-person absentee voting began Tuesday in the state, and as of Friday morning 292,702 people had voted, the Wisconsin Elections Commission said. Mary Spicuzza, Journal Sentinel, 26 Oct. 2024 In addition to absentee voting, which is available in most states for those who won't be able to vote in-person on election day, some states also offer a vote-by-mail option for those who can't or do not want to vote in person. Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for absentee 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absentee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near absentee

Cite this Entry

“Absentee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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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