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

Defender Mauro Junior and attacker Alassane Plea are the absentees for PSV boss Peter Bosz, meanwhile. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

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

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