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

• 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

Its cheerful, harmonious colors evoke the pleasure and leisure associated with reading from childhood onward. —Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025

Doherty allegedly invited John Doe 8 along with other children to play on the parish’s playground at their leisure. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

In his leisure time, Atharva loves learning about digital marketing and watching soccer matches. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025

Small private-sector businesses drove last month’s decline, and losses were widespread across industries (with some of the largest losses in professional and business services and leisure and hospitality), ADP reported. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 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