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

Phrases

at leisure or at one's leisure

: in one's leisure time : at one's convenience

read the book at her 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

Beyond leisure travel, family connections remain essential—regular visits to India where my parents live—provide grounding amid the intensity of the AI world. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025

Everyone can also access leisure areas, like the basketball court and the sundeck with a whirlpool. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2025

Fears that thousands flights would be during the Thanksgiving holiday, impacting travel and leisure stocks, now appear to have been allayed. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2025

Most travelers appeared to be flying for leisure rather than business, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere despite broader aviation concerns. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

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
• 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