pleasure

1 of 2

noun

plea·​sure ˈple-zhər  ˈplā- 

1

: desire, inclination

wait upon his pleasure

—William Shakespeare

2

: a state of gratification

3

a

: sensual gratification

b

: frivolous amusement

4

: a source of delight or joy

pleasure

2 of 2

verb

pleasured; pleasuring ˈplezh-riŋ 

ˈplāzh-;

ˈple-zhə-,

ˈplā-

transitive verb

1

: to give pleasure to : gratify

2

: to give sexual pleasure to

intransitive verb

1

: to take pleasure : delight

2

: to seek pleasure

Synonyms

Noun

• enjoyment
• contentment
• satisfaction
• delight
• happiness
• content
• joy

Verb

• delight
• please
• satisfy
• warm
• thrill
• feast

Examples of pleasure in a Sentence

Noun

I paint for the sheer pleasure of it.

His grandparents took great pleasure in seeing him graduate from college.

Is this trip for business or pleasure?

It is a special pleasure for me to be here with you today.

Now I can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with my family.

Verb

a wine that is sure to pleasure even the most discriminating palate

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Where to Shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Saint-Germain’s retail scene blends practical staples with refined pleasures. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

There are few greater pleasures than slipping your feet into some soft slides and cruising to the beach, pool, or even the office. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 29 June 2025

Verb

While there are a slew of ways to pleasure yourself depending on these three factors, there are some basic tips that can be a helpful starting point, like how to finger yourself and how to jerk off. —Quispe López, Them, 12 Mar. 2025

While, erm, pleasuring himself in the shower, a fully naked and very drunk Sean is taken aback by a familiar face who enters his bathroom. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English plesure, alteration of plesir, from Anglo-French plaisir, from plaisir to please

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pleasure

• anti-pleasure
• at someone's pleasure
• at the pleasure of (someone)
• gold of pleasure
• guilty pleasure
• mix business with pleasure
• my pleasure
• pleasure craft
• pleasure dome
• pleasure principle
• take pleasure in
• what's your pleasure?
• with pleasure

Rhymes for pleasure

• leisure
• measure
• treasure
• countermeasure
• displeasure

Kids Definition

pleasure

noun

plea·​sure

ˈplezh-ər,

ˈplāzh-

1

: a particular desire or purpose : inclination

what's your pleasure

2

: the feeling that comes when one's wishes are met

3

: a source of delight or joy