relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən 

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

Synonyms of relaxation

• recreation
• fun
• entertainment
• enjoyment
• amusement

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

Magnesium glycinate and zinc glycinate are minerals commonly tied to relaxation and sleep regulation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 25, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Of course, a family vacation should include some time for relaxation. — Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026

Functional sleep beverages like Moonbrew Hot Cocoa, Beam Dream Powder, Mindful Evening Cocoa and Clevr Sleeptime Latte lead the current crop, blending cocoa with ingredients marketed for relaxation. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Puerto Rico has been dealt a heavy hand of natural disasters over the past decade, so balancing your relaxation days with volunteer opportunities or farm stays can also add to your experience in a meaningful way and help locals directly. — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing relaxation

• autogenic relaxation
• rest and relaxation

Rhymes for relaxation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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 injection

—Lancet

2

: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber

especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers