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

And speaking of relaxation, the hotel will boast an impressive 30,000-square-foot spa with a gym and an outdoor lounge terrace. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024

Advertisement But what if in the midst of this personal chaos there was a pill that provided the benefits of breathing and instant relaxation that could soothe such an attack? —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

This tranquil venue has mastered the art of relaxation, offering scenic spaces like the Manti Bungalow, an 80-square-meter suite that comes equipped with its own personal plunge pool and outdoor hammock—and those aren’t the only amenities found across the property. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

What better gift than the gift of relaxation? Find it on AmazonFind it on Walmart This Toaster From The Future Bring your breakfast game to a whole new level with this Toaster that has a touchscreen feature that brings the future to your everyday routine. —Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 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