recreational

adjective

rec·​re·​a·​tion·​al ˌre-krē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of recreation

a recreational area

recreational activities

2

: of or relating to recreational drugs or their use

a recreational drug user

Colorado's burgeoning marijuana industry had struggled under its own astonishing success since legal recreational sales began Jan. 1.

—David Migoya

recreationally adverb

Examples of recreational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Quest Diagnostics data shows a significant increase in cannabis positivity, especially in states where recreational or medical marijuana is legal. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

But today, Atlanta has a thriving soccer culture, from professional teams to competitive and recreational adult leagues to mini soccer pitches at transit stops, operated by the nonprofit Soccer in the Streets. — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 20 July 2026

On a Monday in April, three Texas teenagers jumped from a railroad track bridge into a massive lake that’s popular for recreational sports. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 19 July 2026

Adam Young, another co-author, underscored that the findings were significant because beaches are the first defense against coastal flooding, in addition to providing recreational, cultural and economic benefits to the region. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

recreation + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing recreational

• recreational drug
• recreational vehicle

Rhymes for recreational

• formational
• foundational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational