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

In the frenzy of a presidential campaign, these Vegas vows on tax policy make political sense, especially given battleground state Nevada’s large number of employees in the hospitality and leisure industry. —Steve Rosenthal, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

This makes Green Coast the most ambitious project in Albanian tourism, favored by international visitors for leisure and prime real estate investment. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024

Here in Georgia, Roach was searching for that secret third thing between leisure and labor: the Devil wears Prada pajamas. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

New consumer technologies, such as the microwave and color television promised more leisure and an improved lifestyle. —Ruth D. Nelson / Made By History, TIME, 13 Sep. 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