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

Riding the Red Car down to the beach or up into the San Gabriel Mountains was a common leisure activity. —Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

Construction and leisure and hospitality payrolls rose for a second month after harsh winter weather likely disrupted hiring at the beginning of the year. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

The Iran war has also upended the global economy, with many countries facing a strain on oil supply and negative economic effects, which could affect leisure purchases like video games. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 May 2026

For flights at least four weeks in the future, typically used by leisure travelers, are 7% more expensive. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 6 May 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