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

Some tenants have alleged, including to the state attorney general, that absentee ownership leaves some like Rogers in dangerous situations with slow-moving solutions. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025

Anderson, Mercado and Ramos were also charged with misrepresenting the eligibility requirements for absentee voting. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 31 July 2025

Global online, absentee, and telephone bids will be accepted throughout the event, and registration is now open. —Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema are long-term absentees, stretching City’s squad. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 2 July 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