AWOL

1 of 2

adjective or adverb

ˈā-ˌwȯl How to pronounce AWOL (audio) ˌā-ˌdə-bəl-yu̇-ˌō-ˈel How to pronounce AWOL (audio)
variants sometimes awol
Synonyms of AWOLnext
: absent without leave
broadly : absent often without notice or permission
… the place looked as if its caretaker had been AWOL for some time. —Daniel Ford

AWOL

2 of 2

noun

variants sometimes awol
: a person who is AWOL

Examples of AWOL 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.
Noun
But as the battalion prepared to depart for England, the clerk of his battery went AWOL. — Kevin Maurer, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 So Heim more or less went AWOL for the first few days of what has become Diavolo’s dance workshops for veterans. — Peter Larsen, Daily News, 11 May 2026 The move is helping bring back some of the food and beverage maker’s customers who had gone AWOL, according to the company’s latest results. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026 The Red Inn, the Brass Key Guesthouse, and AWOL are all luxe options for an overnight stay before the morning ferries depart. — Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for AWOL

Word History

Etymology

Adjective or adverb

absent without leave

First Known Use

Adjective Or Adverb

1891, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of AWOL was in 1891

Rhymes for AWOL

See All Rhymes for AWOL

Browse Nearby Words

awoken
AWOL
a word in someone's ear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“AWOL.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/AWOL. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

AWOL

noun
ˈā-ˌwȯl, 
ˌā-ˌdəb-əl-yu̇-ˌō-ˈel
: a person who is absent without permission
AWOL adverb or adjective
Etymology

Noun

absent without leave

Legal Definition

AWOL

abbreviation
ˈā-ˌwȯl, ˈā-ˌdə-bəl-ˌyü-ˌō-ˈel
absent without leave
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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