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

Some city facilities remain closed, including several recreation centers and regional entertainment facilities. —Sarah Honosky, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024

The city is investing over $200 million to turn a former riverfront industrial zone into a year-round recreation hub. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2024

After retiring, Cureton went into coaching and broadcasting, and served as a community ambassador for the Pistons, advocating for youth programs and enhanced city parks, gyms and recreation centers. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 23 Oct. 2024

Creatives can take advantage of the podcast recording studio, while athletes can use the outdoor recreation spaces, including ping-pong tables and a squash court. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2024

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