recreation

noun

rec·​re·​a·​tion ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən 

: refreshment of strength and spirits after work

also : a means of refreshment or diversion : hobby

Synonyms of recreation

• relaxation
• fun
• entertainment
• amusement
• enjoyment

Examples of recreation in a Sentence

The fields next to the school are used for recreation.

decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Recent Examples on the Web

The structure will support water treatment, utilities, recreation, commercial facilities, and other essential services within the development. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Heat relief for residents Saturday morning, Mecklenburg County released a list of recreation centers, libraries, pools, homeless shelters, spraygrounds and splash pads where residents can seek relief from the heat this weekend and beyond. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2026

Retirees seeking a waterfront lifestyle along with golf, fresh seafood, and outdoor recreation can find it in Brunswick County. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

Brophy, a mother of two and an Oceanside emergency room nurse, has been missing since July 6, and her vehicle was discovered in a parking lot within the recreation area. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recreacioun "act of refreshment, action of amusing," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin recreātiōn-, recreātiō "spiritual refreshment, amusement, new birth," going back to Latin, "act of restoring," from recreāre "to make new, restore, revive" (from re- re- + creāre "to bring into being, beget, give birth to") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at create entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recreation

• recreation ground
• recreation room

Rhymes for recreation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

recreation

noun

rec·​re·​ation

ˌrek-rē-ˈā-shən

1

: refreshment of mind or body after work or worry : diversion

2

: a way of refreshing mind or body

hiking is our favorite recreation

recreational

-shnəl, 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective