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

This year, the list recognized 18 companies in hotels, dining and leisure. —Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

Other American diplomats and officials during this period played sports during their times overseas, as athletic competition became a key leisure activity for many Americans. —Time, 9 Dec. 2025

Read either or both at your leisure. —Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025

There was very little extra income for leisure or for other kinds of familial care, to save for retirement or for housing, or for when my father became sick, all of his cancer treatment. —Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 Dec. 2025

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