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

Research from Hilton found that 56% of global travelers cite rest and recharge as their number one motivation for leisure travel in 2026. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 June 2026

May added 172,000 jobs, with the gains piled into leisure and hospitality, state and local government, and health care, while financial activities slipped and information work kept bleeding year over year. — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Tri-Rail management has said a strong state subsidy remains critical for regional travelers who use the rail line to ride to South Florida airports, commute to and from schools and jobs, and take round trips to leisure events. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026

Millennials represented the largest segment of that category, accounting for 37% of domestic leisure travelers. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 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