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

With all of Richmond's absentee and provisional ballots in and counted, President-elect Trump won precinct 106 in Windsor Farms — the city's only Republican precinct — by just 12 votes, Karri reports. —Sabrina Moreno, Axios, 21 Nov. 2024

Voters turned to absentee voting in unprecedented numbers, and ballots were mailed to nursing homes instead of delivered by special poll workers who could assist residents. —Jessie Opoien, Journal Sentinel, 19 Nov. 2024

Lawmakers have previously tried to restrict absentee voting. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 4 Feb. 2025

That primary, which Ganim won on the strength of absentee votes, was overturned by a Connecticut judge due to widespread allegations of absentee ballot fraud. —Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 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