absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: one that is absent: such as

a

: a proprietor of an estate or business who lives far away from it and rarely visits it

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

Opta rankings do not factor in how sorely Villa miss absentees, such as the injured Youri Tielemans (ankle) and John McGinn (knee), who are critical in Emery’s system. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2026

One notable absentee from that list? —Peter White, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026

The commission’s decisions can be appealed in court, but face a tight timeline before county clerks must complete ballot preparation for the start of absentee mail voting in mid-March. —Tom Davies, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026

Voter rolls from the 2020 general election from absentee, early voting, in person, and any other voter roll. —Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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