absentee

[ ab-suhn-tee ]

noun

1. a person who is absent, especially from work or school.
2. a person who is defined by their absence, such as a landowner who does not live on certain property owned or a voter who is permitted to cast a ballot by mail.

absentee

/ ˌæbsənˈtiː /

noun

1. 1. a person who is absent
   2. ( as modifier )

      an absentee voter

Word History and Origins

Origin of absentee¹

First recorded in 1530–40; absent + -ee

Example Sentences

A voter returning an absentee ballot must insert the ballot into the secrecy envelope, and then insert that envelope into a larger envelope that carries the mailing address and postage.

From Washington Post

In keeping with the national trend, a record number of Ohio’s nearly 8 million registered voters are expected to cast absentee ballots in November to avoid spreading the coronavirus at the polls.

From ProPublica

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia already allowed anyone to vote absentee.

From Washington Post

You may find other websites that claim to show the early voting and absentee ballot rules for your state, but it’s super-important to double-check that information on your state’s website.

From Popular-Science

New Hampshire only accepts requests for absentee ballots by mail.

From Popular-Science

The ground game in Iowa has traditionally revolved around an absentee ballot program.

From The Daily Beast

An absentee father is loitering about with his son and namesake, Mason Jr., at a deserted concert hall.

From The Daily Beast

Ware went to court claiming a number of irregularities, including issues with hundreds of absentee ballots.

From The Daily Beast

Perry said most of the absentee ballots questioned in the mayoral race had six or seven different issues.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, over 117,000 people have already voted absentee and among those, Republicans have an advantage of over 4,500.

From The Daily Beast

If the roll of Mr. Morton's school had been called that evening at that meeting, not a single absentee would have been reported.

From Project Gutenberg

A tax had been proposed in the Irish Parliament of two shillings in the pound on the estates of absentee landlords.

From Project Gutenberg

The other absentee was Richie Moniplies, whose conduct for some time past had been extremely mysterious.

From Project Gutenberg

Absenteeism is no new complaint; Adam Smith discussed proposals for an absentee-tax.

From Project Gutenberg

This he continued, speaking for any absentee on any subject, and tutoring rich laggards for a consideration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant