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

While reconnecting with her mother who was going through chemotherapy in the winter of 2024, Tati Varjao took her, and other family members who had traveled from Texas, to Sea Love, a candle making shop in Naperville for a day of relaxation. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Melatonin has more evidence for sleep timing, while L-theanine supports relaxation without causing sedation. — T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2026

The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa For a full-service resort experience, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa puts accommodations, dining, recreation, and relaxation in the heart of Manchester Village. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026

Designed to stay locked during motion More sensitive instruments such as superconducting quantum interference devices and spin-exchange relaxation-free atomic magnetometers can detect fields below one femtotesla. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 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