plural furloughs
1
: a period of time when a soldier is allowed to leave the place where he or she is stationed
a four-week furlough
2
US
: a period of time when an employee is told not to come to work and is not paid
furloughs of federal workers
Each employee will have a one-day furlough every month.
3
US
: a period of time when a prisoner is allowed to leave prison
furloughs; furloughed; furloughing
1
: to grant a furlough to (someone)
furlough a soldier
(US) The prison will furlough certain inmates.
2
US
: to put (a worker) on furlough
The company will consider furloughing a small number of workers.
Cite this Entry
“Furlough.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/furlough. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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