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

For retail, the NAR measures growth in retail trade as well as leisure and hospitality employment. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Mexico, in general, landed second on the Expat Insider Survey for 2026, with its many leisure options highlighted as a plus as well as its welcoming culture. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of American women aren’t getting enough leisure-time physical activity to meet basic health guidelines. — Lindsay Davenport, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Just across the road from the villa, the private leisure complex includes a grayscale pickleball court, a cabana, and a dock. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 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