no-show

1 of 2

noun

ˈnō-ˌshō How to pronounce no-show (audio)
-ˈshō
1
: a person who reserves space (as on an airplane) but neither uses nor cancels the reservation
2
: a person who buys a ticket but does not attend
broadly : a person who is expected but who does not show up
3
: failure to show up

no-show

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a job for which the holder is paid but performs few duties or is rarely present for work

Examples of no-show 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 Hollywood studios appear to be a no-show. — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 Healthcare providers across the country report rising no-show rates for prenatal appointments. — Jallicia Jolly, The Conversation, 15 June 2026
Adjective
My only real complaint, other than no-show buses, is smoking on trains. — Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 Healthcare providers across the country report rising no-show rates for prenatal appointments. — Jallicia Jolly, The Conversation, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for no-show

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-show was in 1819

Rhymes for no-show

See All Rhymes for no-show

Browse Nearby Words

no shortage of
no-show
nosh-up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-show. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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