Furlough definition: a vacation or leave of absence granted to an enlisted person.. See examples of FURLOUGH used in a sentence. Guide to Furlough and its meaning. We explain its benefits, notice requirements, examples, and comparison with termination. 4 meanings: 1. leave of absence, esp from military duty 2. a temporary laying-off of employees, usually because there is.... Click for more definitions. FURLOUGH meaning: 1. a period of time that a soldier, worker, or prisoner is allowed to be absent, especially to…. Learn more.