1
: a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation
2
: a person who buys a ticket but does not attend
broadly
: a person who is expected but who does not show up
3
: failure to show up
: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid but performs few duties or is rarely present for work
Examples of no-show in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dean Chang, New York Times, 20 May 2025
The match was Game 2 of the Timberwolves’ second-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, and Gobert’s no-show led to some mocking from his peers, including former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 20 May 2025
Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Other leading candidates were no-shows, although many of them — including Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Brad Lander and Zellnor Myrie — attended a pre-parade legislative breakfast run by Met Council, a Jewish nonprofit.
—Dean Chang, New York Times, 20 May 2025
The match was Game 2 of the Timberwolves’ second-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets, and Gobert’s no-show led to some mocking from his peers, including former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.
—Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 20 May 2025
Adjective
After ending their season with an NIT no-show against UCF, the Gators face a roster makeover and push to become one of the next quick turnarounds in college basketball.
—Orlando Sentinel Podcasts, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2023
The concept of the no-show summer job was common knowledge at least as far back as the 1950s.
—Bob Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Mar. 2023
See All Example Sentences for no-show
Cite this Entry
“No-show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-show. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share