no-show

1 of 2

noun

ˈnō-ˌshō How to pronounce no-show (audio)
-ˈshō
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

no-show

2 of 2

adjective

: 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
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
Teresa Earnhardt was a no-show Tuesday night, instead sending Dan Brewer, the engineer for her project, to speak on her behalf. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025 He was scheduled to speak to reporters, who waited 40 minutes before he was declared a no-show because of a conflict with a post-practice weight-lifting session. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 11 June 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-show was in 1819

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-show. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!