leisurely

1 of 2

adverb

lei·​sure·​ly ˈlē-zhər-lē How to pronounce leisurely (audio)
ˈle-, 
ˈlā-
Synonyms of leisurely
: without haste : deliberately

leisurely

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by leisure : unhurried
a leisurely pace
leisureliness noun

Synonyms of leisurely

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
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.
Adverb
The result is a nearly hour-long episode — the season’s longest, if only by a couple of minutes — that feels rushed in parts and leisurely in others, and mostly works anyway. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 Popular outings include leisurely walks through Central Park or along the High Line, catching a Broadway show, taking in skyline views from a rooftop bar, or exploring the waterfront. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
But for me the wow factor started weeks out with a leisurely but extremely detailed call with a kindly staffer who took down all of our details. — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 The beaches will always have that kinetic draw, sure, as do the beautiful (and still often secretive) mountain villages, glittering coves, and a very leisurely lunch scene. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for leisurely

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leisurely was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leisurely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leisurely. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

leisurely

adjective
lei·​sure·​ly
ˈlēzh-ər-lē, 
ˈlezh-, 
ˈlāzh-
: characterized by leisure : unhurried
a leisurely pace
leisureliness noun
leisurely adverb
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