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

• dalliance
• frolic
• frolicking
• fun
• fun and games
• play
• relaxation
• rollicking
• sport

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

Gilbert, a fast-growing town in Maricopa County, recently voted to raise taxes for various needs that have arisen with its expansion, including parks and recreation money that would fund pickleball courts. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Residents can sign up for alerts through the company. Southlake Library & Nature Center The library, nature center and all recreation centers and programs are closed Jan. 9 due to inclement weather. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025

The recreation improvements total $81 million, including $9 million to renovate the city’s golf course, $8 million for Flamingo Park and $7.7 million at Pasadena Park. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Razorback Greenway State of play: The 40-mile walking and biking trail that connects Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Lowell, Springdale, Johnson and Fayetteville, is largely used for recreation and exercise. —Alex Golden, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

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

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