relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
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

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 The Benner team achieves this gracefully in the upper gardens, which allow for relaxation, as well as the visual enjoyment of colorful flowers and visiting wildlife. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 27 Aug. 2024 The lot of the property is substantial, measuring 0.4-acre, and boasts a pool for relaxation and recreation. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024 By Veronica Cristino Celebrity Style This Is Your New Transitional Staple, According to Kylie Jenner, Katie Holmes, and Blake Lively By Alice Newbold Want a trip centered around rest and relaxation? Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2024 If you’re motivated by rest and relaxation instead, this quiet corner of southwestern Montana isn’t any less attractive, either. Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for relaxation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relaxation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxation was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near relaxation

Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxation. Accessed 8 Sep. 2024.

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 injectionLancet
2
: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber
especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

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