vacancy

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noun va·can·cy \ ˈvā-kən(t)-sē \

Definition of vacancy

plural vacancies

1 :a vacant office, post, or tenancy

2 a :a vacating of an office, post, or piece of property

b :the time such office or property is vacant

3 :physical or mental inactivity or relaxation :idleness

4 :empty space :void; specifically :an unoccupied site for an atom or ion in a crystal

5 :the state of being vacant :vacuity

6 archaic :an interval of leisure

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Examples of vacancy in a Sentence

School administrators are trying to fill vacancies before the beginning of the school year.
There were no vacancies at the hotel.

Recent Examples of vacancy from the Web

The 96 vacancies, including key ambassadorships, notwithstanding, the department is also being reorganized, with the secretary of state having brought in two consulting firms to make recommendations.

— krishnadev calamur, The Atlantic, "Steve Bannon Goes After Asia Officials," 17 Aug. 2017
According to JLL, the vacancy rate for the overall Chicago market for warehouse/distribution properties in the second quarter was 8.1 percent, while the rate was 4.4 percent along the I-80 corridor and 6.8 percent in the south suburban market.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Plans move ahead for new spec building in Tinley Park," 11 Aug. 2017
With a Republican White House, Senate, and House, and a record number of judicial vacancies, the GOP has its best opportunity in a generation to shrink the government and give liberty and opportunity back to the people.

— tiana lowe, National Review, "‘The Mooch’ Could Be Exactly What We Need," 25 July 2017
DuPage officials confirmed Saturday that County Board Vice Chairman John Curran has been tapped to fill a vacancy in the state Senate.

— gary gibula, Naperville Sun, "DuPage County Board member appointed to state Senate," 23 July 2017
Daniel Alvarez and Tanisha Ann Hickerson, both Louisville attorneys, were considered for the district vacancy.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "Bevin appoints 2 Louisville judges," 18 July 2017
While Cadwell Corners is seeking a modification of its special use permit to allow restaurants to fill some of its vacancies, Deerfield Square is heading toward full occupancy, according to Siavelis.

— steve sadin, chicagotribune.com, "Deerfield's retail centers look to welcome restaurants, offices," 17 July 2017
Signing Dansby gave Arizona an immediate solution for that vacancy at one of the inside-linebacker positions.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "How Karlos Dansby will know when it's time to retire," 17 July 2017
Three vacancies were filled by first-timers: the Buffalo Sabres’ Phil Housley, Florida Panthers’ Bob Boughner and Vancouver Canucks’ Travis Green.

— stephen whyno, The Seattle Times, "Experience not required: Rookie coaches a growing NHL trend," 16 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vacancy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.