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

• dalliance
• frolic
• frolicking
• fun
• fun and games
• play
• recreation
• rollicking
• sport

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

Also, reducing stress by practicing mindfulness and relaxation can calm the body, keep your brain focused, and improve memory and emotional resilience. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune Well, 7 June 2024

These techniques can help induce a sense of calm and relaxation in early labor. —Elizabeth Stein, Cnm, Parents, 7 June 2024

Eden Roc Cap Cana At Eden Roc Cap Cana, a resort at the scenic, easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, relaxation often comes in the form of lounging at your villa’s private pool or wiggling your toes in the soft sand at the on-site beach. —Juliet Izon, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2024

The resort will initially stand on five pillars: nutrition, mindfulness, sleep, fitness and relaxation. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing relaxation

• autogenic relaxation

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