leave of absence
Americannoun
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permission to be absent from duty, employment, service, etc.; leave.
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the length of time granted in such permission.
a two-year leave of absence.
noun
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permission to be absent from work or duty
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the period of absence
Etymology
Origin of leave of absence
First recorded in 1765–75
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On May 1, Rocha Moya announced that he was taking a leave of absence to defend himself against “false and malicious” allegations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
The quarterly results come after Home Depot last week said Ted Decker, its chief executive, would take a temporary medical leave of absence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026
In December, he was granted a leave of absence by the club to prioritise his mental health, following his sending off in the Champions League defeat by Chelsea a few weeks earlier.
From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026
He was recently caught on camera kissing a junior lawyer in Central Park and has been placed on a leave of absence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Steven’s mother has had to take a leave of absence from her job to take care of Jeffrey, so just when their need is greatest, half of their cash flow is gone.
From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
