pleasure

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

Synonyms of pleasure

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

Examples of pleasure in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

These gatherings do signal a trend of reviving a culture of reading for pleasure, Bone said. —Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

My condolences to your girls, family, and all who had the pleasure of loving you. —Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026

During the Grand Tour era in the 18th century, poets, painters, and aristocrats flocked here to admire the city’s ancient ruins and baroque art and architecture—still valid reasons to visit now, though today’s travelers will find plenty of modern pleasures as well. —Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 4 June 2026

Ambition, creativity, a willingness to risk and above all to open up our hearts and minds to life’s great truths and pleasures matter far more. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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