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

In addition, the transom and side terraces can fold out to create additional waterside relaxation areas. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024

The Rooms Our Grand Premier room spanned more than 550 square feet — larger than most city apartments — with a large bedroom compromising soft furnishings for relaxation, a work desk area, and state of the art audio audio-visual center. —Stacey Wreathall, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

The lot of the property is substantial, measuring 0.3-acre, and boasts a pool for relaxation and recreation. —Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

From morning walks around the neighborhood to evening gatherings on the deck or in the optional sunroom, every moment is filled with comfort and relaxation. —Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2024

Support from others, exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, bright light therapy, yoga, and relaxation techniques can also help. —Katie Grant, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024

For interiors, think of the irresistible allure of a pillowy sofa that practically insists on relaxation, or the charm of a round rug grounding a seating space. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2024

Retirement, typically anticipated as a time of relaxation, might not come to mind, but this transition away from work can also be stressful, coinciding with reinventions and re-evaluations that can cause couples to suddenly experience new tensions. —Susan Dominus, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024

As a general movie rule, when a group of happy weekenders head to a woodland cottage for a bit of rest and relaxation, the great outdoors has some grisly surprises in store for them. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Mar. 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