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

Forest have had some good fortune with injuries, with Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare the only significant long-term absentees, both early in the season. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

Cece’s sudden emotional shift upends a love life that once seemed ideal; Garrett maintains a complex and enduring affection for his absentee father; his friendship with Charlie contains jealousy, rage and love in equal parts. —Maxim Loskutoff, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025

McGrane, a Republican, opposed last year’s absentee proposal. —Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 4 Feb. 2025

After hiring a private investigator to track down their absentee dad and other half-siblings, Reuben is hitting the road to confront the man who abandoned them and wants Madeline to come with. —Shannon Carlin, TIME, 17 Dec. 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

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