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

Over 80% of respondents to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association answered that their teams were now equally or more interested in adding leisure time to their business trips. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

The district – which includes the Le Renzo residential complex, public parks, a marina, and commercial spaces – prioritizes public access, with half of the area dedicated to parks and leisure spaces. —New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024

Employment in the state’s leisure and hospitality sector rose by 3,000 since October. —Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 19 Dec. 2024

While the nomadic clan has picked up and moved at their leisure in the past, this provocative drama unfolds at a time when there’s no running from the future or from one another. —Stephen Saito, Variety, 18 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