relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
ri-ˌlak-,
 especially British  ˌre-lək-
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : diversion
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

Examples of relaxation in a Sentence

I like to play the guitar for relaxation. What I need is some rest and relaxation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Spa will feature eight treatment rooms, dry saunas, two relaxation lounges with a double-sided fireplace overlooking the orchard, an additional 1,500 square-foot terrace with a year-round outdoor heated mineral spa, a meditation garden, and a dedicated spa fire pit. Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 An English cocker spaniel named Mango, from the United Kingdom, was just enjoying a moment of relaxation with his mom when things took a bizarre turn, leaving internet users in stitches. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 The cool touch of the pink quartz roller sends me straight into relaxation mode after a long day. Averi Baudler, People.com, 16 June 2025 While a trip to Italy usually means relaxation and la dolce vita (or the sweet life), one woman hit the point of exasperation at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) due to a disagreement at the boarding counter, allegedly over the weight of a suitcase, the International Business Times reports. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxation was in 1548

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxation. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​ation
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən,
ri-
1
: the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing activity or pastime
play the guitar as a relaxation
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

Medical Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​a·​tion
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-ˌlak-, especially British ˌrel-ək-
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
maximal abdominal relaxation was not evident until at least five minutes after the injectionLancet
2
: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber
especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

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