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

• relaxation
• rest
• resting

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

The rise in premium leisure travel post-pandemic has replaced some of the decline in corporate travel. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

In his leisure time, Atharva loves learning about digital marketing and watching soccer matches. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

Recreation and leisure options include a pool and tennis court, along with a couple of picturesque ponds, one with a stone patio on its shoreline, while an old camper updated with air conditioning and chic interiors makes a unique guest space or quiet retreat. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025

The casino operator posted a worse-than-expected loss of 39 cents per share in the second quarter, citing softer leisure demand in the Las Vegas market. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

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

Rhymes for leisure

• measure
• pleasure
• treasure
• countermeasure
• displeasure

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