A reference to a period during which someone does not work at his or her regular occupation: Marissa decided to take a sabbatical leave to do research in her teaching specialty.

A special time during which a person does not work at his or her regular vocation and is able to travel, rest, do research, etc.: There are a few of the university professors who are currently taking a sabbatical and they will return to their normal teaching assignments next year.

Marla recently returned to work after a one-year sabbatical from her singing career.