absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: 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

But the precinct also had 45 absentee voters. —Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025

Frank Prezzato pleaded guilty to one count of election law-voting absentee and in person. —Christina Hall, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2025

During the following two days of the auction, attendees can bid online via phone call or as an absentee (bid ahead of time online). —Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

The 20-year-old is currently around Spurs’ first-team squad covering for long-term injury absentee Radu Dragusin, but will likely head out on loan before long. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing absentee

• absentee ballot
• absentee landlord

Rhymes for absentee

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: a person who is absent

absentee adjective

Legal Definition

absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: 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