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

There's undoubtedly a strong association between students using digital devices for leisure and lower test scores, Schleicher said. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026

There’s undoubtedly a strong association between students using digital devices for leisure and lower test scores, Schleicher said. — Sharon Lurye, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

How WalletHub measured happiness WalletHub based the rankings on factors tied to overall quality of life, including health, finances, employment, safety, social connections and leisure time. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Among the British elites who came of age in the second half of the nineteenth century, less than half listed any recreations at all, perhaps showing that leisure activities weren’t a terribly important part of self-presentation for this group. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 8 Sep. 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