leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈle- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlā-
Synonyms of leisurenext
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
leisure adjective

see also at leisure

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This aesthetic — symbolizing order, leisure and status — spread across continents and centuries, shaping how residential outdoor spaces are designed and maintained today. Hummingbird, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026 Those three dimensions were evaluated using 30 metrics, including the physical health of the population, sleep rates, food insecurity, commute times, income growth rate, average leisure time per person, safety, and more. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026 From April through November 2025, job gains in health care and leisure and hospitality outpaced the net jobs added across the entire labor market during those eight months. Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026 But those long hours sitting at a desk, commuting by car or public transport, and spending leisure time in front of screens also diminishes opportunities for the legs to be challenged. Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leisure

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of leisure was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leisure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisure. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

leisure

noun
lei·​sure ˈlēzh-ər How to pronounce leisure (audio) ˈlezh- How to pronounce leisure (audio)
ˈlāzh-
1
: freedom from work or duties
2
3
: time at one's command : convenience
has the leisure to pursue a hobby
leisure adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on leisure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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