Absent Without Official Leave: A term used in the United States Military to describe a soldier or other military member who has left his or her post without permission (usually in disagreement with a particular order). This is one of many military terms that has trickled down into everyday speech among civilian populations.
by Postman January 26, 2005
Absent Without Official Leave (Pronounced "A-Wall"). A military term used to describe a person who disappears without notice or permission. Non-Military people have also adopted the term to describe someone who went crazy, did something ridiculous, or went to great lengths to accomplish something.
The guy just went AWOL and killed everyone.
Private Ryan went AWOL from the base and we can't find him.
Private Ryan went AWOL from the base and we can't find him.
by BigBear2014 July 03, 2014
Absent Without Official Leave: military slang for leaving or being absent without having permission. Also Aaron Bruno's nickname. He's the leadsinger of AWOLNATION. See the connection?
by ThatoneguyfromSweden January 11, 2014
George W. Bush was AWOL.
by Caleb Grant February 08, 2005
Absence without leave. A term that USED to be used in the military to mean not being at your post or duty station at the required time. Civilians still use the term but the military uses the term UA (Unauthorized Absence) now.
by JeremyWolf March 23, 2008
Absence without official leave.. also used in the Canadian military not just the US. It can be grounds for detention barracks..
by kattalack195 August 27, 2009