Furlough is a temporary pause in work where employees retain their job but are not paid for a specified period of time. Furlough may be short term or long term, depending upon the circumstances. The meaning of FURLOUGH is a leave of absence granted to a governmental or institutional employee (such as a soldier or civil servant); also : a document authorizing such a leave of absence. Learn what furlough means, how it differs from layoffs, and what it means for your pay, benefits, and job security. A complete employee guide for 2025. Furlough definition: a vacation or leave of absence granted to an enlisted person.. See examples of FURLOUGH used in a sentence.