absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: one that is absent: such as

a

: a proprietor that lives away from his or her estate or business

b

: one missing from work or school

absentee adjective

Examples of absentee in a Sentence

There were 10 sick absentees that day.

Recent Examples on the Web

That absentee drop boxes at early voting locations be under video surveillance outside of voting hours. —Dan Gooding gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025

Callie Gale Heilmann, one of the founders of Bridgeport Generation Now, said Pereira’s ongoing involvement in the absentee process in Bridgeport is evidence of why the legislature needs to act. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025

As the trial holds to address today's absentee juror — who is sick — prosecutor, lawyers for Combs and the judge are wasting no time to debate whether certain exhibits can be shown. —Nbc News, NBC news, 18 June 2025

Already prone to a few no-shows throughout these playoffs — with two single-digit scoring performances entering Monday night — Haliburton had another absentee performance in Game 5. —Joe Vardon, New York Times, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French abscenté "person holding property in Ireland but illegally resident in England," from past participle of absenter "to be absent," verbal derivative of absent absent entry 1

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing absentee

• absentee ballot
• absentee landlord

Rhymes for absentee

• agree
• allee
• banshee
• beastly
• bibi
• bowsprit
• carefree
• cerci
• chablis
• cowpea
• crappie
• crappy

Kids Definition

absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: a person who is absent

absentee adjective

Legal Definition

absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē 

: one that is absent: as

a

: a proprietor who lives away from his or her business or estate

b

: a potential party to a legal action who is not present or does not have a representative present at a proceeding

absentee adjective