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

Upstairs, a private sanctuary offers more options for recreation and relaxation. —Sacbee.com, 22 Nov. 2025

This time around, because of its lengthy closure, the pool is expected to remain open until late 2026, Fred Couceyro, the city’s community recreation director, told the Miami Herald earlier this year. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 22 Nov. 2025

The beloved sitcom starring Amy Poehler, Aziz Ansari, Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, and more, followed the quirky exploits of a dysfunctional, small-town American parks and recreation department. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Nov. 2025

The hotel has changed that; now, there is a four-story luxury recreation center behind the hotel with over 1,300 local members. —Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2025

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