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

First, putting time into hobbies or pets or leisure and loving democracy aren’t mutually exclusive. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

For families The Peninsula appeals to wealthy leisure travelers and C-suite business types, but families are welcome. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Trade, transportation and utilities led with 39,000 new jobs, while education and health services added 28,000, and leisure and hospitality contributed 19,000. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026

Shopping Cidade Jardim is one of Brazil’s premier destinations for luxury shopping, leisure and fine dining. — David Moin, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 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