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

He also complained that he was leading in the count until a surge in absentee ballots ballots from Democratic-heavy Milwaukee tipped the balance in Baldwin's favor.

From Salon

Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire continue to do rehabilitation, but Luke Shaw became the latest absentee to rejoin training on Friday.

From BBC

The obvious Irish absentee is Sexton.

From BBC

A post on X which claims “the Pentagon reportedly failed to send absentee ballots to active military service members before the election” has been viewed over 28 million times.

From BBC

However the letter does not accuse the Pentagon of failing to send them absentee ballots.

From BBC

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant