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

Meanwhile, industries like health care and leisure and hospitality have seen healthy gains, adding 46,000 and 43,000 jobs, respectively, in December. —Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Some criticized him for taking leisure so early in his term, while others took a humorous approach to comment on the situation. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

So, in the interest of focusing on leisure rather than work, today’s deal is a powerful gaming rig that punches way above its weight with a $200 discount. —Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025

Share [Findings] A psycholinguistic analysis of posts on Twitter and Weibo during COVID-19 lockdowns found that residents of Lombardy grew increasingly focused on leisure and residents of Wuhan grew increasingly focused on religion. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 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

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