leisurely

1 of 3

adverb

lei·​sure·​ly ˈlē-zhər-lē 

ˈle-, 

ˈlā-

: without haste : deliberately

leisurely

2 of 3

adjective

: characterized by leisure : unhurried

a leisurely pace

leisureliness noun

leisureliness

3 of 3

noun

lei·​sure·​li·​ness

-lēnə̇s, 

-lin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being leisurely

elegance, urbanity, a quill-pen leisureliness … are not much valued in our day

—Louis Kronenberger

broad streets, an almost southern leisureliness, and fewer tall buildings than are seen in most cities

—American Guide Series: Indiana

Synonyms of leisurely

Adverb

• slowly

Adjective

• slow
• unhurried

Examples of leisurely in a Sentence

Adverb

the old hound dog leisurely sauntered over to his water bowl to take a drink

Adjective

They strolled along at a leisurely pace.

proceeding in a leisurely fashion

After a leisurely lunch, we went to see a movie.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

For something more leisurely, look west after sunset on July 17 to see the exact opposite sight — a 15%-illuminated waxing crescent moon close to Venus. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 July 2026

An activity that may seem leisurely, such as swimming in a river, could end up more dangerous if someone encounters an unexpected rip current. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 June 2026

Adjective

So its gateway at 42nd Street had to move people much faster than usual; even with a bus lane, the M42 route is still one of the city’s slowest, averaging roughly five miles per hour — the pace of a leisurely stroll. — John Surico, Curbed, 24 July 2026

El Castillo de Esparza may carry the title of a fortress, but its pool, tennis court and putting greens suggest a far more leisurely kingdom. — Donna Hardie-Scott, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leisurely

adjective

lei·​sure·​ly

ˈlēzh-ər-lē, 

ˈlezh-, 

ˈlāzh-

: characterized by leisure : unhurried

a leisurely pace

leisureliness noun

leisurely adverb