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

Themes highlighted in the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway could include agriculture, outdoor recreation, Indigenous stories, natural resources and music, according to the proposal. —Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024

Donaldson's content went viral several times after 2019, including the real-life recreation of Squid Game with a $456,000 prize for the winner in 2021. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

More:Michigan state park, recreation area campground closures in 2025 The day-use area and beach will remain open. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024

The lot of the property is substantial, measuring 9,900 square feet, and boasts a pool for relaxation and recreation. —Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 31 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