leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər  ˈle- 

ˈlā-

1

: freedom provided by the cessation of activities

especially : time free from work or duties

Increase of leisure, diminution of hustle are the ends to be sought …

—Bertrand Russell

2

: ease, leisureliness

leisure adjective

see also:

at leisure

Synonyms of leisure

• relaxation
• rest
• resting

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

I don't have much time for leisure.

upon retiring, the elderly couple looked forward to a life of well-deserved leisure

Recent Examples on the Web

But doing it at my leisure is much easier. —Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

However, that range made a very tight, uncomfortable leash around any type of leisure vehicle made for travel and vacationing. —New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2026

The garden level shifts the focus toward leisure, with the entire floor operating as a wellness and entertainment hub with a gym, sauna, hammam, massage room, home cinema, and wine cellar. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026

Indirect work factors included average commute time, share of workers with multiple jobs, annual volunteer hours per resident, share of residents who participate in local groups or organizations and average leisure time spent per day. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English leiser, from Anglo-French leisir, from leisir to be permitted, from Latin licēre — see license entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing leisure

• a lady/man/gentleman of leisure
• a life of leisure
• at leisure
• at one's leisure
• leisure class
• leisure suit

Rhymes for leisure

• measure
• pleasure
• treasure
• countermeasure
• displeasure

Kids Definition

leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlēzh-ər  ˈlezh- 

ˈlāzh-

1

: freedom from work or duties

2

: ease entry 1 sense 1

3

: time at one's command : convenience

has the leisure to pursue a hobby

leisure adjective