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

Other job gains in February were in leisure and hospitality (work in hotels, casinos, bars and restaurants) with 2,000 new positions. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

Palm Beach, Florida Both leisure and luxury await at America’s First Resort Destination. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

Public sector jobs were down 11,100 over the year, leisure and hospitality fell by 10,300, construction was off 9,100 workers, financial activities lost 7,500 positions and manufacturing declined by 100 jobs. —Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026

Both domestic leisure and business remained strong. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 Apr. 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