CultureJuly 30, 2026

sabbatical

suh-BAT-ih-kuhl

Definition

A period of paid or unpaid leave granted to an employee, often for study, travel, or personal growth, typically occurring after a set number of years of service.

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'sabbaticus' and Greek 'sabbatikos', relating to the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week ordained for rest in Jewish tradition.

In the news

The article mentions that actor Kal Penn took a sabbatical from his acting career to serve in the Obama administration, demonstrating a purposeful shift in professional focus.

'Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle' 20 Years On: How a Stoner Comedy Changed Asian American Cinema

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