First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1truant
noun tru·ant \ˈtrü-ənt\
: a student who misses school without permission
Full Definition of TRUANT
: one who shirks duty; especially : one who stays out of school without permission
See truant defined for English-language learners
See truant defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TRUANT
Middle English, vagabond, idler, from Anglo-French, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish trógán wretch, trúag wretched
Other Education Terms
2truant
adjective
Definition of TRUANT
1
: shirking responsibility
2
: being, resembling, or characteristic of a truant
First Known Use of TRUANT
1561
3truant
intransitive verb
Definition of TRUANT
: to idle away time especially while playing truant
First Known Use of TRUANT
1580
TRUANT Defined for Kids
truant
noun tru·ant \ˈtrü-ənt\
Definition of TRUANT for Kids
1
: a student who stays out of school without permission
2
: a person who neglects his or her duty
Learn More About TRUANT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: truant officerPrevious Word in the Dictionary: truancyAll Words Near: truant
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up truant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).