Furlough

/ˈfɜːrloʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A temporary leave of absence from duty or work, especially granted to a soldier or an employee.

The company announced a furlough for its employees due to budget cuts.

A period during which an employee is not paid and is not required to report to work, often due to a lack of work or financial constraints.

After the government shutdown, many workers were placed on furlough until funding was restored.

verb

To grant someone a temporary leave of absence.

The manager decided to furlough the staff for two weeks during the off-season.

To place (an employee) on furlough.

Due to the pandemic, the hotel had to furlough a number of its employees.

Perhaps from the Old French 'ferlo', from 'farloier', meaning to leave.

furlough leave

An official leave granted for a temporary period.

furlough period

The specific duration of time that an employee is on furlough.

mandatory furlough

A required leave of absence imposed by an employer.

leave of absence

A period of time that one is allowed to be away from their job or duties.

layoff

Temporary or permanent termination of employment due to financial reasons.

Furlo

I’m on a furlo until the end of the month.

Furloin

He’s taking a furloin from work to travel.