pleasure

1 of 2

noun

plea·​sure ˈple-zhər How to pronounce pleasure (audio) ˈplā- How to pronounce pleasure (audio)
1
: desire, inclination
wait upon his pleasureWilliam 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 How to pronounce pleasure (audio)
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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The early days of a startup are indeed rough and don't offer many pleasures. Melinda Elmborg, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Even with your goals on the agenda, don’t overlook the pleasures that are easily within reach right now. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024
Verb
Like, worse than the time Lois accused the nurse of pleasuring her comatose husband. Andy Swift, TVLine, 2 Oct. 2024 Libra season kicks off today, making play and pleasure your main focal point. USA TODAY, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pleasure 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasure was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pleasure

Cite this Entry

“Pleasure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasure. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pleasure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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