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

Will Xi Jinping offer Trump a deal to let China militarize the whole South China Sea, and later digest Taiwan at leisure? —Andreas Kluth, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

The Asus Vivobook Pro 15 straddles the line between productivity and leisure. —Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Just as the Strip cuts through Las Vegas, Sheikh Zayed Road runs through the heart of Dubai and many of the city's major leisure attractions are a stone's throw away from it. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The flagship carries the full range of men’s and women’s apparel across the leisure, active and lifestyle categories. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 31 Oct. 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
• 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