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

For something that sounds so simple, leisure can be surprisingly difficult. — Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

The Triton Center has spaces for alumni, student health, arts, leisure and retail. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2026

Copies of The Late, the book, can be found in a rectangular hole carved into a giant Go board where audience members can lie and peruse the text at their leisure. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026

Hundreds of courts are springing up everywhere – at gyms, municipal leisure centers, old warehouses, and new developments. — Mark Rice-Oxley, Christian Science Monitor, 29 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