truancy

noun

tru·​an·​cy ˈtrü-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce truancy (audio)
plural truancies
: an act or instance of playing truant : the state of being truant

Examples of truancy 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.
And for families already affected by long Covid, absence after absence is prompting threats of investigations for truancy that have led to children being removed from school altogether, either by choice or upon the advice of the district. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 Their issues ranged from housing to truancy and family issues. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Doctor's notes will now excuse absences from truancy, but not from chronic absenteeism. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Aug. 2025 At the same time, the House Oversight Committee is preparing a high-profile Sept. 18 hearing with D.C. leaders and planning to mark up legislation on juvenile crime, truancy, and limits on policing, ensuring the city will remain a central flashpoint when Congress returns. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for truancy

Word History

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of truancy was in 1784

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Cite this Entry

“Truancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/truancy. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

truancy

noun
tru·​an·​cy ˈtrü-ən-sē How to pronounce truancy (audio)
plural truancies
: an act or an instance of being a truant
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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