leisure

noun lei·sure \ ˈlē-zhər , ˈle- , ˈlā- \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Examples: leisure in a Sentence

Definition of leisure

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

— at leisure or at one's leisure

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

read the book at her leisure

See leisure defined for English-language learners

See leisure defined for kids

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 of leisure from the Web

Once considered the purview of business travelers, dining solo has become a significant part of leisure travel, as well as of everyday life.

— dana snitzky, Longreads, "Eating Alone," 6 July 2018
And any fan of Olympios’ from The Bachelor knows that the star famously had a nanny, Raquel, who worked for her family for years and brought her cheese pasta at her leisure.

— lindy segal, PEOPLE.com, "The Bachelor's Corinne Olympios Shares Her Oh-So-Corinne Bikini Photo Advice: 'Suck It In, Girl'," 25 June 2018
To establish The Woodlands, Texas as a lively, beautiful, and welcoming destination recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for first-class business and leisure travel.

— marialuisa rincon, Houston Chronicle, "Woodlands CVB adopts new mission statement, marketing plan," 23 June 2018
At about a mile long, the bridge is open for pedestrians and bike riders to cross at their leisure.

— emma austin, The Courier-Journal, "Broke? Hit up these top places for a fun (and free) day in Louisville," 19 June 2018
Then, roll out and shape the turnovers at your leisure.

— jeanmarie brownson, charlotteobserver, "Warm cheese meets fresh herbs in a happy springtime marriage," 19 June 2018
Their leisure was regenerative because it was woven of intentional activity, stimulating the mind and the spirit.

— clive thompson, WIRED, "Why You Should Slack Off to Get Some Work Done," 16 June 2018
Silver Airways and Sun Country Airlines, both small carriers focused on leisure travel, will also add flights in New Orleans this year.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "A record 1.2 million people traveled through the New Orleans airport in March," 22 May 2018
Nashville's international leisure travel has benefited from the rising popularity of country music overseas.

— jamie mcgee, USA TODAY, "British Airways to launch Nashville's first London since 1994," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leisure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of leisure

Middle English leiser, from Anglo-French leisir, from leisir to be permitted, from Latin licēre — see ¹license

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

leisure Synonyms

LEISURE Defined for English Language Learners

leisure

noun

Definition of leisure for English Language Learners

: time when you are not working : time when you can do whatever you want to do
: enjoyable activities that you do when you are not working

LEISURE Defined for Kids

leisure

noun lei·sure \ ˈlē-zhər \

Definition of leisure for Students

: free time

— at leisure or at someone's leisure

1 : in a way that is not hurried

2 : when there is free time available

3 : not busy

Learn More about leisure

See words that rhyme with leisure Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for leisure Spanish Central: Translation of leisure Nglish: Translation of leisure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of leisure for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about leisure

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leisure

Definition of leisure

leisure

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

Recent Examples of leisure from the Web

Origin and Etymology of leisure

leisure Synonyms

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LEISURE Defined for English Language Learners

leisure

Definition of leisure for English Language Learners

LEISURE Defined for Kids

leisure

Definition of leisure for Students

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