leave of absence

noun phrase

1
: permission to be absent from duty or employment
2
: leave sense 1b

Examples of leave of absence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coincidentally, Barenaked Ladies are on the same double bill as Train this summer, with Robertson’s son, Lyle, subbing in as a utility player after bassist Jim Creeggan had to take a leave of absence to care for his family. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 District officials sent a letter to families that said principal Paola Rodriguez was on a leave of absence. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026 Slade rejoined in 2015 when Rudd was forced to take an extended leave of absence. — Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The series ended in June 2022, although the host had taken a leave of absence starting in 2021 due to medical issues related to lymphedema and Graves’ disease. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leave of absence

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of leave of absence was in 1756

Browse Nearby Words

Leavenworth
leave of absence
leave off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leave of absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leave%20of%20absence. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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