1. Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present. "Expecting absent friends." Shak. 2. Not existing; lacking; as, the part was rudimental or absent. 3. Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied; as, an absent air. What is commonly called an absent man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man. Chesterfield. Syn. -- Absent, A...