call in sick

phrase

: to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of call in sick was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Call in sick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call%20in%20sick. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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