Phrase guide

sick note

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A doctor's note that certifies that the patient is ill, and therefore unable to go to work, school, etc.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: excuse (US), aegrotat

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: excuse, aegrotat

Antonyms: fit note

Broader terms: doctor's note, note

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: neschopenka — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Dutch: ziektebriefje — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Dutch: ziektebrief — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Dutch: ziekteattest — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Faroese: sjúkramelding — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Finnish: lääkärintodistus — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Finnish: sairaustodistus — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • French: certificat médical — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • German: Krankenschein — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • German: Krankschreibung — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Hungarian: orvosi igazolás — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Hungarian: igazolás — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Polish: zwolnienie lekarskie — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Portuguese: atestado — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness
  • Portuguese: atestado médico — note from a doctor certifying a worker's or a student's sickness