recreation

noun

rec·​re·​a·​tion ˌre-krē-ˈā-shən 

: refreshment of strength and spirits after work

also : a means of refreshment or diversion : hobby

Synonyms of recreation

• relaxation
• fun
• entertainment
• amusement
• enjoyment

Examples of recreation in a Sentence

The fields next to the school are used for recreation.

decided to take a bike tour of the island for recreation and relaxation

Recent Examples on the Web

In the last few decades, this old mill town has fine-tuned its offerings as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, craft beer, and live entertainment. — Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026

Why not invest just as seriously in recreation centers, evening sports leagues, arts programs, neighborhood events and summer employment opportunities designed specifically for teenagers? — Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

This will be the third wedding Hall has overseen at the Ocean House, a 2004 recreation of a palatial Victorian hotel that originally opened on the site in 1868. — Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

That's especially true in southern Illinois, home to the Shawnee National Forest, where outdoor recreation and work are a way of life for many. — CBS News, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recreacioun "act of refreshment, action of amusing," borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin recreātiōn-, recreātiō "spiritual refreshment, amusement, new birth," going back to Latin, "act of restoring," from recreāre "to make new, restore, revive" (from re- re- + creāre "to bring into being, beget, give birth to") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at create entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing recreation

• recreation ground
• recreation room

Rhymes for recreation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

recreation

noun

rec·​re·​ation

ˌrek-rē-ˈā-shən

1

: refreshment of mind or body after work or worry : diversion

2

: a way of refreshing mind or body

hiking is our favorite recreation

recreational

-shnəl, 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective