furlough (furloughs plural & 3rd person present) (furloughing present participle) (furloughed past tense & past participle )
1 n-var If workers are given furlough, they are told to stay away from work for a certain period because there is not enough for them to do.
(AM)
This could mean a massive furlough of government workers.
2 verb If people who work for a particular organization are furloughed, they are given a furlough.
(AM)
(=lay off)
We regret to inform you that you are being furloughed indefinitely... be V-ed
3 n-var When soldiers are given furlough, they are given official permission to leave the area where they are based or are fighting, for a certain period.
(AM)
I was at home on furlough.
in BRIT, use leave