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

At that time, the property was closed to bird watchers and others who used the area for recreation, with the city citing safety concerns. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026

To learn more about dedicating a bench to memorialize your pet, contact your city’s parks and recreation department or local shelter. — Yvonne Villasenor, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Inside, the kitchen, the emotional heart of the first film, was among the most meticulous recreations. — Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

The offerings there include a self-portrait by Frida Kahlo, an illustration of Pokémon, recreations of cave paintings in Lascaux, and sculptures of characters from Star Wars, the film franchise created by Lucas himself. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 Sep. 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