recreation

noun

rec·​re·​a·​tion ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən 

: refreshment of strength and spirits after work

also : a means of refreshment or diversion : hobby

Synonyms of recreation

• relaxation
• fun
• entertainment
• amusement
• enjoyment

Examples of recreation in a Sentence

The fields next to the school are used for recreation.

decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Recent Examples on the Web

Questions about subsidizing parks and recreation programs with general fund dollars have emerged as the department, combined with facilities, faces deferred maintenance costs between $130 million and $170 million over the next decade. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026

Year after year, the mayor threatens to slash city services, including public restrooms, libraries, parks and recreation, and homeless programs. —Paul Krueger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2026

Imagine living in the same forest as your parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and all your ancestors as far back in time as stories can tell, and depending on the forest for food, shelter, recreation and education. —Buket Altınçelep, The Conversation, 12 June 2026

The nonprofit’s mission is to promote eco-recreation in metro environments and engage diverse communities in outdoor experiences. —Diane Penningroth, Midwest Living, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recreacioun "act of refreshment, action of amusing," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin recreātiōn-, recreātiō "spiritual refreshment, amusement, new birth," going back to Latin, "act of restoring," from recreāre "to make new, restore, revive" (from re- re- + creāre "to bring into being, beget, give birth to") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at create entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recreation

• recreation ground
• recreation room

Rhymes for recreation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

recreation

noun

rec·​re·​ation

ˌrek-rē-ˈā-shən

1

: refreshment of mind or body after work or worry : diversion

2

: a way of refreshing mind or body

hiking is our favorite recreation

recreational

-shnəl, 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective