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

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, 7 Oct. 2025

The last day for absentee voting is November 4, 2025, and ballots must be returned by mail or delivered to local boards of elections by this date. —Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025

Alex Titcomb, who is a lead proponent of enacting the referendum on absentee voting in the upcoming elections, said this ballot incident is exactly why constituents in Maine need stricter absentee voting regulations. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2025

Then, in a tour de force of magical realism, three versions of Ty’s absentee dad crawl out of the walls and furniture one night. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 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