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

Michigan saw a surge of absentee voting, contributing to longer waits for election results. —Erin Doherty, Axios, 18 Sep. 2024

These encompassed areas such as internet voting, polling station accessibility, curbside voting regulations, absentee voting, voting assistance and guardianship. —Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

More than half of U.S. states have enacted bills limiting early voting and absentee voting after former President Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 election results before and after the violent events of Jan. 6, 2021. —Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

In-person absentee voting, commonly known as early voting, can’t begin in Wisconsin until Oct. 22. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 17 Sep. 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