sick leave

noun

1
: an absence from work permitted because of illness
2
: the number of days per year for which an employer agrees to pay employees who are sick

Examples of sick leave in a Sentence

employee benefits such as vacation time and sick leave We are allotted three weeks annual sick leave. He's been on sick leave since last Thursday.
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.
In 2017, he was hospitalized for an infection; in 2019 and 2020, he was temporarily placed on sick leave due, respectively, to a viral infection and health issues that required further investigation. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 The monarch, who reigned since 1991, had been on sick leave for several weeks, with his son, Crown Prince Haakon, 53, stepping in to serve as king regent. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 At the time, it was said that the King would be on sick leave for two weeks. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 The 89-year-old monarch, who has been on sick leave for several weeks, was admitted to the National Hospital a week ago. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sick leave

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sick leave was in 1820

Rhymes for sick leave

See All Rhymes for sick leave

Browse Nearby Words

sickle and hammer
sick leave
sickle bar
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Cite this Entry

“Sick leave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sick%20leave. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

sick leave

noun
1
: an absence from work permitted because of illness
2
: the number of days per year for which an employer agrees to pay employees who are sick
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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