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

Evoking Impressionist motifs of leisure and water sports, Past Times, 1997, is an epic representation of African Americans of different classes enjoying a day off. —James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026

Qiddiya, which the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund expects will attract 48 million visitors annually once complete, is part of a broader push to use leisure and entertainment to help diversify the economy away from oil. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 31 Dec. 2025

The 4% rule of retirement puts you on an austere budget in your leisure years. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025

Hotels, airlines and booking sites were the standout stocks in the leisure patch. —Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 29 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