1. the act of staying away from school or work without permission
Usage: informal; typically used in the phrase ‘play hookey’

Examples

• The students decided to play hookey and go to the beach instead of attending class.
• She got in trouble for playing hookey three times this month.
• Playing hookey from work can result in disciplinary action.
• They were caught playing hookey at the mall during school hours.
• His parents were called when he played hookey again.
• The warm spring day tempted many students to play hookey.