rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfurloughTemporary leave
noun / verb

furlough

FUR-loh/fˈɝloʊ/

A period of authorized or imposed leave.

The service member leaves on furlough, carrying an overnight bag and approved pass.

A service member leaves duty with an overnight bag and an approved leave pass giving a return day; the pass makes permission and temporary absence explicit.
Etymology
furMiddle Dutchcompletely, for
+loughMiddle Dutchpermission

The “permission” element points to authorized absence, originally a soldier’s leave from service. The term later extended to temporary layoffs of workers and conditional releases of prisoners.

In context

Quirk's Marketing Research Media7:09
there's people that have lost their jobs they might not even be on furlough they might have been made redundant
What'cha Drinkin'? an interview with Jennifer Roberton, managing director of respondi UK

More examples

  • The company may furlough workers until sales improve.
  • She receives no pay during her two-week furlough.
  • The prison grants short furloughs for approved family visits.

Forms

furlough · furloughs · furloughed · furloughing

Similar words

leave
Broader term for permitted absence, not necessarily imposed.
layoff
May end employment permanently rather than pause it temporarily.