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

In the 1960s, the architect Cedric Price, prompted by the guerrilla director Joan Littlewood, came up with — but never built — Fun Palace, a scaffolding that could be infinitely rejiggered to meet its users’ needs for leisure, play, and performance. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026

Maintaining consistent performance and visibility is paramount, requiring clear boundaries between work and leisure. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Higher levels of openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were tied to better psychological well-being and engaging in more leisure activities in older age. — Refractor, 27 July 2026

This suggests something deeper in American culture that has made leisure reading seem less desirable or less valuable. — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 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