absentee

American  

[ab-suhn-tee] / ˌæb sənˈti /

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.

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absentee British  

/ ˌæbsənˈtiː /

noun

1. 1. a person who is absent

   2. ( as modifier )

      an absentee voter

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Etymology

Origin of absentee

First recorded in 1530–40; absent + -ee

Example Sentences

Throughout the oral arguments, various justices brought up concerns about the potential for absentee voters to recall their ballots to change or alter them in some type of way.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

As the history of absentee voting during the Civil War era shows, states have long permitted post–Election Day receipt of absentee ballots to safeguard voting rights and protect our foundational democratic principles.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is a notable absentee.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

A notable absentee from the race was Norway's Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, who suffered a back problem as he bids to return to competition.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Some absentee owners are merely letting him live on their land here, in another little trailer he stays in.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• hooky player
• no-show
• truant