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

Unlike conventional cruises which travel long distances mainly for leisure and stop only briefly at ports to offload tourists, key Norwegian routes like Bergen-Kirkenes serve multiple functions at once. — Indrabati Lahiri, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Industries including professional business services, trade, transportation and utilities, leisure and hospitality, construction and mining and financial activities saw the highest growth. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

These days, Americans age 15 and older spend an average of less than 35 minutes per day socializing and communicating with others in their leisure time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. — Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Still, the larger leisure carrier, which will eventually operate under the Allegiant brand, could mean travel experience changes for both airlines’ customers in the long run. — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 July 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