absentee

noun

ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Being an absentee friend can also be due to issues that call for therapy — such as low self-esteem, hyper-independence or an avoidant attachment style, or cynicism, all of which can hinder the vulnerability necessary for connection and growth in relationships, sources said. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025 News, notes and highlights from Dolphins training camp practice on Saturday in Miami Gardens: ▪ Cornerback Cam Smith, who has had an underwhelming camp and is wearing a compression sleeve on his leg, and right tackle Austin Jackson were Saturday’s new additions to the absentee list. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Aug. 2025 Back then, swashbuckling startup founders with absentee boards was the norm. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Wordsworth may well have stirred some of the sugar whose production is described in the letters to Perrin—or in letters just like them, written to other absentee planters—into his tea. Literary Hub, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for absentee

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of absentee was in 1537

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Absentee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentee. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

absentee

noun
ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: a person who is absent
absentee adjective

Legal Definition

absentee

noun
ab·​sen·​tee ˌab-sən-ˈtē How to pronounce absentee (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on absentee

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