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

It’s gotten worse because America’s youth sports scene has become so profitable that private equity firms are reportedly showing an interest to join what previously had been a space for recreation, fun and life lessons for young people. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026

The village also recently opened a new recreation center and has plans for a new grand entrance off Pryor Road, as well as a redevelopment of a facility that houses its emergency medical services program. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

Prices for airline fares, personal care, recreation, and medical care increased over the month. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026

Shorter winters disrupt recreation and can have lasting impacts on lake ecosystems, agriculture and public health. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 12 Feb. 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

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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