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

The bear was always also, of course, the restaurant business: a feral industry nominally dedicated to leisure and delight that talks a big game about service and celebration while abusing or underpaying its workers, torturing its geniuses, and driving everyone concerned to bankruptcy and despair. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 27 June 2024

Celebrity beauty moments hit a chic high in the past few days: from couture week in Paris to full glam even in leisure. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 24 June 2024

How Hobbies Changed the Home Basements, sheds, and workshops found their way into American homes because leisure activities pursued by men and boys were often loud and smelly. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

The nonfarm industries that saw the most growth between April and May statewide were the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 10,200 jobs; private education and health services with 9,300; and professional business services with 9,000. —Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 21 June 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
• at leisure
• at one's 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