leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlē-zhər  ˈle- 

ˈlā-

1

: freedom provided by the cessation of activities

especially : time free from work or duties

increase of leisure, diminution of hustle are the ends to be sought

—Bertrand Russell

2

: ease, leisureliness

leisure adjective

Phrases

at leisure or at one's leisure

: in one's leisure time : at one's convenience

read the book at her leisure

Synonyms

• decompression
• ease
• relaxation
• repose
• rest

Examples of leisure in a Sentence

I don't have much time for leisure.

upon retiring, the elderly couple looked forward to a life of well-deserved leisure

Recent Examples on the Web

Chase Travel, JPMorgan Chase’s premier leisure travel brand recently unveiled its inaugural list of the 25 Trips to Take in 2025, offering discerning travelers an exciting roadmap of the must-visit destinations for the upcoming year. —Caroline Tell, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Consumer discretionary stocks were weaker too, led lower by the auto stocks and travel and leisure names. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025

National trends also point to a resurgence in weekend leisure trips, which increased by 9% year over year, per the report. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

These values, plus the promises of escape and leisure that a trip to the wilderness can provide, roll up into gorpcore style choices. —Ryleigh Nucilli, Outside Online, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English leiser, from Anglo-French leisir, from leisir to be permitted, from Latin licēre — see license entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing leisure

• a lady/man/gentleman of leisure
• a life of leisure
• leisure class
• leisure suit

Kids Definition

leisure

noun

lei·​sure ˈlēzh-ər  ˈlezh- 

ˈlāzh-

1

: freedom from work or duties

2

: ease entry 1 sense 1

3

: time at one's command : convenience

has the leisure to pursue a hobby

leisure adjective