pleasure

1 of 2

noun

plea·​sure ˈple-zhər  ˈplā- 

1

: desire, inclination

… wait upon his pleasure …

—William Shakespeare

2

: a state of gratification

I paint for the pleasure of it.

She takes pleasure in helping others.

"Would you do this for me?" "With pleasure." [=I would be happy to do it]

3

a

: sensual gratification

b

: frivolous amusement

business or pleasure

4

: a source of delight or joy

It's been a pleasure working with you.

"Thanks for your help." "It was my pleasure." [=I was happy to help]

Now I can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like being with my family.

see also guilty pleasure

pleasure

2 of 2

verb

pleasured; pleasuring ˈplezh-riŋ 

ˈplāzh-;

ˈple-zhə-, 

ˈplā-

transitive verb

1

: to give pleasure to : gratify

2

: to give sexual pleasure to

intransitive verb

1

: to take pleasure : delight

2

: to seek pleasure

Synonyms of pleasure

Noun

• enjoyment
• contentment
• satisfaction
• delight
• happiness
• content
• joy

Verb

• delight
• please
• satisfy
• warm
• thrill
• feast

Examples of pleasure in a Sentence

Noun

I paint for the sheer pleasure of it.

His grandparents took great pleasure in seeing him graduate from college.

Is this trip for business or pleasure?

It is a special pleasure for me to be here with you today.

Now I can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with my family.

Verb

a wine that is sure to pleasure even the most discriminating palate

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Around West Glacier, the familiar snow-globe imagery gives way to long days, cold lakes, pine shade and the ritual pleasures of camp life. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

The spa is perfectly located to explore the local hill towns and vineyards by complimentary e-bike—one of the immense pleasures of staying here. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

Verb

Vance and others stood for the conscious and collectively supported acceptance of risk; for the agreement to meet, if need be, a quantum of danger on the way to pleasure. — Literary Hub, 16 June 2026

Fifty years ago, a young woman named Hannah pleasured herself in a erotic magazine photo spread. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English plesure, alteration of plesir, from Anglo-French plaisir, from plaisir to please

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1537, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing pleasure

• anti-pleasure
• at someone's pleasure
• at the pleasure of (someone)
• gold of pleasure
• guilty pleasure
• mix business with pleasure
• my pleasure
• pleasure craft
• pleasure dome
• pleasure principle
• take pleasure in
• what's your pleasure?

Rhymes for pleasure

• leisure
• measure
• treasure
• countermeasure
• displeasure

Kids Definition

pleasure

noun

plea·​sure

ˈplezh-ər, 

ˈplāzh-

1

: a particular desire or purpose : inclination

what's your pleasure

2

: the feeling that comes when one's wishes are met

3

: a source of delight or joy