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

Juventus fail to capitalise on another lead Juventus meanwhile were still undefeated, albeit with an unenviable record of nine draws in their opening 15 games of the season and with a lengthy list of absentees. —Adam Digby, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

The number of absentees was consistently high, sometimes creeping into double figures. —Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

Nieves’ complaint, which was sent to the State Elections Enforcement Commission in December 2023, came in response to the mountain of allegations that were filed by Gomes’ campaign after Ganim narrowly won the September 2023 primary based on the strength of absentee votes. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 6 Dec. 2024

And Republicans this year pushed for more of their supporters to vote absentee. —Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 15 Nov. 2024

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

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