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

see also:

at 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

To be classified as a special interest vehicle, a car must be unaltered from the way it was originally manufactured and preserved as a leisure pursuit, per current law. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Expats love its leisure, culture, nightlife, and culinary options. — Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Summer jobs are often temporary, entry-level and in areas like leisure and hospitality. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Experts said the biggest job gains are likely to come in education, health services, and leisure and hospitality, while manufacturing employment continues to edge higher. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026

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
• at leisure
• at one's 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