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

Second, severe winter storms likely put a big damper on hiring in weather-sensitive industries like construction and leisure and hospitality. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi An enormous inland pool of clear water stretching as far as the eye can see, Lake Malawi offers many opportunities for affordable lakeside leisure. —Melanie Van Zyl, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026

The pullback in payrolls included declines in leisure and hospitality as well as construction, which may have stemmed from inclement weather in the month. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 6 Mar. 2026

Banking, insurance, travel and leisure and utilities stocks led losses. —Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 4 Mar. 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