sick-out

noun

ˈsik-ˌau̇t How to pronounce sick-out (audio)
Synonyms of sick-outnext
: an organized absence from work by workers on the pretext of sickness

Examples of sick-out 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.
Earlier this month, hundreds of Metro bus riders staged a sick-out in protest of the rising number of assaults among their ranks carried out by passengers. — Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024 Last season, Maggie faced nursing union negotiations, culminating in a sick-out. — Claire Franken, TVLine, 28 Aug. 2025 The decision came less than a week after more than 100 teachers staged a sick-out, part of a citywide day of action by educators and staff regarding the payroll problems. — Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2024 Maggie’s major Season 10 storyline involved the tense nursing union negotiations at the hospital, which culminated in a sick-out. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sick-out was in 1951

Rhymes for sick-out

See All Rhymes for sick-out

Browse Nearby Words

sicko
sick-out
sick pay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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