relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən 

ri-ˌlak-

especially British ˌre-lək-

1

: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed

2

: a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : diversion

3

: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

Synonyms of relaxation

• recreation
• fun
• entertainment
• enjoyment
• amusement

Examples of relaxation in a Sentence

I like to play the guitar for relaxation.

What I need is some rest and relaxation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Guests can look forward to an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and lounge, and a stunning rooftop pool and bar designed for ultimate relaxation. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Land at the island’s airport, and you’ll be promptly whisked to the resort in around 20 minutes; then, the real relaxation begins. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

The Outer Banks, a group of barrier islands just off the North Carolina coast, placed 14th on the publication’s Top 18 list of getaways offering fun and relaxation for the whole family. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

After incorporating Pulsetto into his routine more consistently, his ratings for evening relaxation and morning freshness rose from three out of 10 to eight out of 10. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing relaxation

• autogenic relaxation
• rest and relaxation

Rhymes for relaxation

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

Kids Definition

relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​ation

ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, 

ri-

1

: the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed

2

: a relaxing activity or pastime

play the guitar as a relaxation

3

: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

Medical Definition

relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion

ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-ˌlak-, especially British ˌrel-ək-

1

: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed

maximal abdominal relaxation was not evident until at least five minutes after the injection

—Lancet

2

: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber

especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers