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

According to the study, leisure travel can also help alleviate chronic stress, one of the key factors in premature aging. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Your creative spirit is running high, with Mars moving through an area of your chart associated with fun, leisure, and self-expression. —Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026

Aqua Expeditions / Yvonne Kreuzmayr / Anthony Do From Arctic ice fields to the outer islands of the Seychelles, leisure yachting is entering a more ambitious era. —Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Moreover, the old Rosetta Stone asked you to sit with lessons for a full 30 minutes per day, a worthy goal for learning a language; the new app encourages learning at your leisure, just like every other alternative. —Jill Duffy, PC Magazine, 28 May 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